Beaver County America250 Committee Awards Mini-Grants to Support Community Celebrations
Beaver County, PA - On behalf of The Beaver County America250 Committee and the Beaver County Board of Commissioners, we are proud to announce the recipients of the America250 Beaver County Mini-Grant Program, an initiative designed to support boroughs, townships, municipalities, and organizations in developing special events, programs, and projects commemorating the United States’ 250th Anniversary.
With a total funding pool of $100,000, the program offers financial assistance for creative, community-driven initiatives that celebrate local heritage, foster civic pride, and inspire residents and visitors throughout the America250 commemoration period.
“This grant program solidifies Beaver County’s commitment to supporting our municipalities and investing in projects that celebrate community, history, and civic pride,” said Beaver County Commissioner Jack Manning. “America250 provides an opportunity to honor our shared heritage together.”
Following a competitive application and review process, grants were awarded to municipalities and organizations representing a diverse range of projects, including community festivals, public art installations, educational programming, historical interpretation, and placemaking enhancements. “These projects reflect the creativity, pride, and community spirit that define Beaver County,” said Tony Caltury, Director of Beaver County Recreation & Tourism. “The America250 initiative is not only a celebration of our nation’s history, but a chance to invest in experiences that unify people and showcase our communities.”
2026 Grant Recipients
Air Heritage Aviation Museum
Beaver County Library System
Beaver County Rehabilitation Center Inc.
Beaver Valley Choral Society
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County
Borough of Baden
Brighton Township Parks & Recreation Department
Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls
Chippewa Township
Community College of Beaver County
Conway Borough
Experiencing the 40s at Hopewell Park
Freedom Borough
General Anthony Wayne Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
Harmony Township
Laughlin Memorial Library
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center
Monaca Community Development Corporation
Monaca Public Library
Neighborhood North Museum of Play
New Brighton Historical Society
North Sewickley Township
Old Economy Village - Friends of Old Economy
South Heights Borough
South Side Historical Village Association
The Beaver Cemetery and Mausoleum
The Larry Bruno Foundation
Penn State University Extension Beaver County
The funded projects align with key America250 themes including:
Elevating Beaver County’s cultural identity
Preserving local history
Inspiring future generations
Celebrating and uniting communities through shared experiences
“The America250 celebration and the mini-grant initiative give us a powerful opportunity to promote Beaver County as a destination,” said Beaver County Commissioner Chairman Daniel Camp. “By supporting local events, public art, and community programming, these grants help drive visitation, strengthen local businesses, and generate meaningful economic activity through our towns and neighborhoods.”
America250-related events and cultural programming provide a significant economic boost to host communities. Travel and tourism contributed approximately $2.6 trillion to the U.S. economy in recent years, supporting millions of jobs and generating substantial tax revenue for local governments. Cultural, heritage, and festival-style events attract visitors who spend on accommodations, dining, shopping, and local services, stimulating local businesses and increasing visitor spending. As Beaver County and other destinations prepare for the Semiquincentennial this year, these celebrations represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to raise regional visibility, drive visitation, and strengthen community pride, all of which are essential components of a thriving tourism economy.
Through this program, the Committee aims to empower municipalities to create meaningful, memorable experiences that honor the past while energizing communities for the future. “The mini-grant program allows local governments to transform ideas into impactful projects that can be well-executed,” said Beaver County Commissioner Tony Amadio. “From public art to signature events, these initiatives help define Beaver County’s role in this historic national milestone.”
The Beaver County America250 Committee is dedicated to planning and supporting programs, events, and initiatives that commemorate the United States’ semiquincentennial while highlighting Beaver County’s history, culture, and community identity.