Apr 24, 2025 By Brad Hundt 2 min read

The 250th anniversary of America’s independence is coming up next year, and the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency is getting the celebration going by offering grants for community projects that boost tourism and celebrate history.

On Wednesday, the agency announced the launch of the American Spirit Grant Program, which will be open to all the cities, boroughs and townships in the county. Starting May 12, municipalities will be able apply for a grant of up to $25,000 for tourism-related projects in their communities that commemorate the country’s semiquincentennial in July 2026.

In a news release announcing the grant program, Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Promotion Agency, said some potential projects could include commemorative murals, the restoration of local historic sites or “new community assets for visitors to enjoy and take pride in.

“Washington County played a vital role in the early days of our nation, and this grant program offers an exciting opportunity for each of our communities to celebrate our collective history while investing in our bright future.”

Each project must have a 25% match, and a formal municipal resolution approving it is required. The match can be fulfilled through in-kind donations, such as services and materials or volunteer hours. The tourism agency will be contacting municipalities to make sure they are aware of the program and its grant guidelines.

All the projects must be completed by July 1, 2026. The tourism promotion agency is creating an online application portal for applications and supporting materials.

Additional information is available by contacting Dana Bucci, director of finance and tourism administration for the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, at 724-225-3010 or dana@washcochamber.com; or Will Thomeier, the chamber’s director of economic and tourism development, at 724-225-3010 or will@washcochamber.com.