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America’s 250th Innovation Prizes
Supporting innovative projects and programs
that prepare the American public to celebrate our nation’s Semiquincentennial
by elevating our founding principles, educating our citizens, and inspiring patriotism.
As the nation’s Semiquincentennial approaches, The Heritage Foundation launched a special round of the Innovation Prizes in 2025 to support and encourage national, state, and local non-profits to develop new, creative projects that will educate our citizens, rekindle in them a love of country, and have a lasting cultural impact on the rising generation.
Why the America’s 250th Prize Round?
A survey of 2,000 registered voters in 2024 found that 70% failed a basic civic literacy quiz. Half didn't know how bills became laws. A third couldn't name the three branches of government. How many, then, could explain why America is an exceptional nation founded on a Declaration of unalienable rights, a Constitution of limited government powers, and a Bill of Rights protecting free speech, religious liberty, and the right to assembly?
A nation ignorant of its history and lacking an appreciation of why America is an exceptional nation is unlikely to have the strength and resolve to fight attacks from its enemies, foreign or domestic.
It’s not hard to see why our country is so divided or why Americans, particularly younger Americans, have lost faith in our institutions when we consider the state of civics and history education.
This 250th anniversary gives us a special opportunity to reclaim our history, our schools, our churches, and our monuments, and in the process, build our future.
To further this aim, Heritage opened the first round of America’s 250th Innovation Prizes, a special project of the Innovation Prizes, which were awarded in June 2025. In response to the high volume of projects submitted during the first round, Heritage is opening a second application cycle to further celebrations of our nation’s anniversary.
These prizes recognize and provide substantive financial awards that, in total, amount to $250,000 per round to non-profits for projects focused on preparing for the Semiquincentennial.
AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY PRIZE ROUND 1 WINNERS
The Heritage Foundation awarded the first round of prizes to five winners, totaling $250,000 in June 2025. These organizations developed projects that share our history and the founders’ stories in creative ways, educate American citizens about our founding principles, and inspire patriotism in the next generation.
Read the press release here.
- Cana Academy: HISTORY 250: Telling America’s Story One Film at a Time
- Emergent Order Foundation: 250 Years in Pursuit
- Herzog Foundation: The Freedom Tour
- Matthew Mehan, Hillsdale College: The American Family's Book of Fables
- Sophia Institute for Teachers: Fostering Virtuous Patriotism: Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary in Catholic Schools
Guidelines and Process
GUIDELINES
Applicants should be a 501(c)(3) organization in good standing. New or existing groups, and those operating at the state or national level, are encouraged to apply, provided that they are requesting support for a new, innovative project that prepares us to celebrate America’s 250th.
Please note: Only applications that are project-specific, rather than requests for general operating support, will be considered.
We invite applications for innovative projects that seek to accomplish one or more of the following:
- Build civic awareness and encourage Americans to engage in civic life
- Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary
- Educate citizens about America’s founding principles
- Inspire patriotism, particularly among the younger generations
- Share our history and founders’ stories in creative ways
- Teach Americans about our government’s foundational tenets
APPLICATION PROCESS
Inquiry Process: Prior to submitting a full application, we encourage you to reach out to see if your project and organization would be a good fit for the America’s 250th Innovation Prize. Feel free to email us a brief project description, and if the project falls within the guidelines and objectives of this round, you will be notified and encouraged to apply.
Email inquiries can be sent to [email protected], and we will follow up with you.
Application Process: Applicants will be required to provide the following:
- A description of the project or program, its objectives, desired outcome, and timetable
- A project budget, specific request for an award amount, and supporting documentation
- A list of the participants in the project and their qualifications
- A description of the organization, list of the board of directors, and the total operating budget for the current fiscal year
- Copy of the IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status
- Copy of the most recent IRS form 990
Additional information may be requested if needed for further evaluation
FAQS
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THE AMERICA’S 250TH INNOVATION PRIZES?
The America’s 250th Innovation Prizes are intended for national, state, and local non-profits in the sectors of philanthropy, civic education, education, media, think tanks, museums, and historic sites. Note: Applicants to the first round of America’s 250th Innovation Prizes are eligible to apply.
Projects can include:
- Cultural events or event series
- Educational initiatives for K-12 and post-secondary students and teachers
- Exhibitions
- Media projects (e.g., films, books, podcasts)
- Public forums
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE REGULAR INNOVATION PRIZES?
For more information on the Innovation Prizes, please visit the Innovation Prizes website.
IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?
No, there is no fee.
CAN A NEW NON-PROFIT APPLY FOR CONSIDERATION?
Yes. There is no requirement regarding the age of the institution.
DOES THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION EXPECT TO INFLUENCE THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF MY ORGANIZATION IN RETURN FOR THE PRIZE?
No, but it is anticipated that Heritage will help to publicize the awarded project, and prize recipients may collaborate with Heritage and other groups in their efforts.
HOW WILL THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION ADMINISTER THE PRIZE PROCESS?
Applicants will be notified that their application has been received, and applicants may be asked to answer further questions or take part in a more detailed discussion of your project.
HOW WILL THE WINNERS BE ANNOUNCED?
Prize winners will be notified by The Heritage Foundation privately, followed by a public announcement by the end of 2025.
WHAT REPORTING WILL BE REQUIRED?
A report detailing the impact of the project will be requested at the completion of the project.
CAN AN ORGANIZATION SUBMIT MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR DIFFERENT INITIATIVES?
Yes.
CAN A PAST INNOVATION PRIZE RECIPIENT APPLY FOR AN AMERICA’S 250TH INNOVATION PRIZE?
Yes.
CAN A PAST AMERICA’S 250th INNOVATION PRIZE APPLICANTS APPLY FOR AN AMERICA’S 250TH INNOVATION PRIZE?
Yes.
WHAT IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS?
Questions and letters of inquiry may be sent to [email protected].
APPLY
Click here to apply!
To download a preview of the application questions before submitting the application form, please click here.
Applications will close on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.
