Semiquincentennial Grants

The Rhode Island Semiquincentennial (RI250) Commission, with support from the Joint Committee on Legislative Services (JCLS), is proud to have awarded nearly $454,000 in grant funding across two successful funding cycles. The RI250 Grant Program was created to support municipalities and partner organizations in developing and expanding programs, projects, and events that commemorate 250 years of the United States. Through this investment, RI250 is helping to build a vibrant, statewide calendar of activities that highlights Rhode Island’s unique role in the American Revolution and invites communities across the state to participate in this once-in-a-generation commemoration.

The RI250 Grant Program completed two rounds of funding, awarding a total of $449,014.54 to 87 organizations and municipalities statewide. In the first round, RI250 awarded $203,700 to 29 recipients, including 19 statewide partner organizations and 10 municipalities. The second round provided $245,314.54 to 58 recipients, including 32 statewide partner organizations and 26 municipalities. 

To ensure every community had the opportunity to participate, the Commission subsequently awarded an additional $4,771 to the Towns of Narragansett, Exeter, and Glocester, bringing RI250 grant funding to all 39 Rhode Island cities and towns. Together, these grants are helping communities preserve local history, expand civic engagement, and create meaningful opportunities for Rhode Islanders to connect with the state’s revolutionary legacy.