Travel Nevada America250 Grant
a once-in-a-generation GRANT program by travel nevada
The America250 Nevada Commission and the Nevada Commission on Tourism approved the allocation of $250,000 in grants to 14 organizations in Nevada for projects around the Semiquincentennial Celebration in 2026 in Nevada.
The awardees met the criteria of non-partisan, open to all, and the ability to provide a 50% in-kind match. The proposals were scored against demonstrative commemoration of Nevada history and heritage, encouragement of civic engagement, and potential to generate new economic impact. They also needed to align with one or more the following America250 Nevada goals:
Celebrate what unites us as Americans
Teach about democracy, history, and the Constitution
Promote civic engagement and volunteerism
Enhance Nevada’s heritage and culture
Support tourism and visitation
Collect data on tourism impact
Employ historical content that is evidence-based, accurate, authentic, and reliable
All grantees are owned, operated, and located within the State of Nevada, Territory organizations representing one of Nevada’s Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), Local governments, Non-profit organizations, Tribal government entities and non-profits on Tribal Lands.
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications Closed:
July 1, 2025
Award Notifications:
September 23, 2026
Project Implementation Period:
January 1 – July 4, 2026
America250 Nevada Grant Recipients
Organization
Amount Awarded
Project Description
Latino Arte and Culture
$15,616
A lively celebration of Nevada’s rich heritage! Experience music, dance, cultural exhibits and tradition from diverse communities, including Native American, Chinese, Basque, Hispanic-Latino, European, and Japanese. Nonpartisan voter education activities Awarded
Laughlin Tourism Commission
$35,000
The Laughlin Tourism Commission’s America250 initiative will unite Nevada and Arizona communities along the Colorado River for a seven-month celebration of history, civic pride, and tourism. Featuring monthly events from January to July 2026. This program aims to boost overnight stays, showcase cultural assets, and enhance regional economic vitality by attracting visitors from across the Southwest.
St. Mary’s Art Center
$5,000
The America 250 campaign aims to create engaging video and photography content that showcases the historic 1375 venue, fine art galleries, and cultural programming. By utilizing social media, websites, YouTube, email campaigns, and Google ad.
Nevada Cowboy Country Territory
$10,000
The project's objective is to market the annual California Trail Days, a free, family-friendly living history event in Elko, Nevada. This event offers an immersive educational experience, bringing pioneer and Native American heritage to life through hands-on activities like gold panning and wagon rides. It serves as a key driver for cultural tourism, boosting the local economy and preserving Nevada's history.
Visit Carson City
$18,000
"Points of Unity -- Discover What Unites Us" From coast to coast, our stories meet here, in Nevada’s Capital. Drawing inspiration from the Golden Spike’s role in linking our nation, these 4-foot railroad spikes, engraved with inspiring stories of the American Spirit, will highlight Nevada’s resilience, innovation, diversity, and community exchange. This trail is an inviting way to explore Carson City’s authentic and unique character while boosting tourism, fostering civic engagement, and promoting community connection.
Town of Pahrump
$5,000
Visit Pahrump is launching the “Main Street Mural & Youth Arts Legacy Project,” a community-driven initiative that involves local artists and students in creating a mural to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. This project aims to honor Nevada’s historical significance while promoting tourism, arts education, and civic pride, serving as a lasting symbol of Pahrump’s cultural identity.
Pony Express Territory
$49,954
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Nevada’s Pony Express Territory will honor its historic role in the nation’s story through two signature projects: the Pony Express Re-Ride Celebration, with community events along the route, and a special America 250 edition of the Highway 50 Passport. Both will engage residents and visitors with living history, heritage travel, and interactive experiences, ensuring Nevada’s legacy rides proudly into the next 250 years.
White Pine Main Street Association
$18,000
White Pine County contributed to America's Electric Revolution by lighting up a developing nation with the copper from the Robinson Mine. We will preserve and tell this story through the creation of a documentary. We'll also create a marketing video documenting our Independence Day Festival throughout our newly remodeled downtown. Finally, we will energize the downtown by hanging light post banners with imagery.
Washoe Valley Alliance
$712
The Washoe Valley Alliance project objective will be to develop online interactive map pages that showcase historic highways in the rural areas. This initiative will promote travel and education about the Comstock Lode Era.
Carson Valley Visitors Authority
$4,110
Visit Carson Valley proposes a two-part heritage tourism initiative for the America250 celebration. Component One will reproduce the Minden Walking Tour Map and Discover Carson Valley Map, preserve local history and expanding digital access. Component Two will expand Genoa’s Americana Celebration for the U.S. Semiquincentennial and Genoa’s 175th, featuring Chautauqua performances, living history re-enactors, historical displays, and commemorative gifts. Together, these projects will celebrate Nevada’s heritage, boost rural tourism, and engage visitors through authentic experiences.
City of Sparks
$25,785
The City of Sparks proposes a celebration of the City’s History and its contribution to the American West in the historic downtown. The city proposes commissioning a historical mural in the cities 250 seat outdoor amphitheater that celebrates and educates the community and visitors about the railroad history of Sparks, and the contribution to building the country. The city will unveil the mural with a celebration featuring live music and tours of the historic downtown.
Clark County Parks & Recreation
$21,423
The American 250 Signal Box Project will transform up to 20 utility boxes across Clark County into dynamic historical landmarks in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Each box will feature a photo reference, a timeline placing Nevada and Clark County events in the broader American story, and logos of participating partners. This project connects communities through inclusive storytelling, celebrates underrepresented histories, and provides a visually compelling and educational experience for residents and visitors.
Visit Fallon
$39,900
City of Fallon will launch “Fallon 250: Art, Heritage & Community Celebration Series,” a year-long tribute to America’s 250th anniversary. Monthly events will feature fireworks, arts programming, public murals, a July 4th parade, and the inaugural Fallon Chalk Festival. Led by the new Arts & Heritage Commission, the series will celebrate local history, culture, draw regional visitors, and position Fallon as a rising arts destination in rural Nevada, boosting tourism, civic pride, and community engagement.
Town of Tonopah
$1,500
Tonopah is bringing history to life! We’re creating vibrant, high-quality brochures for our Historic Walking Tour, leading guests through the landmarks and tales that shaped our silver boom days. This project celebrates Tonopah’s starring role in Nevada’s story, boosts the visitor experience, and shines during the America 250 commemorations. With maps and exclusive tour t-shirts, travelers will not just see our history—they’ll wear it home—sharing Tonopah’s spirit and story wherever they go.
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