ABOUT THE
AMERICAN SPIRIT
GRANT PROGRAM
The United States of America was founded in Pennsylvania nearly 250 years ago, on July 4, 1776, when representatives of the 13 American Colonies joined together in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence. In celebration of the U.S Semiquincentennial in 2026 (the 250th anniversary of this pivotal moment in our history) the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (WCTPA) is opening the American Spirit Grant Program. These grants are intended to assist Washington County municipalities with projects that improve local tourism assets, events, or attractions that bring visitors to our communities, celebrate the contributions of Washington County to our nation over the last 250 years, and encourage civic engagement.
GUIDELINES & ELIGIBILITY
Each municipality in Washington County, PA is eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in grant funding to support a project of their choosing which meets the eligibility and project criteria outlined below.
All grants require a minimum of 25 percent cash, in-kind, or combined match of the total project costs.
Qualifying in-kind contributions can be staff or volunteer time spent on project, donated use of property, equipment, or other supplies, or donated goods and services from outside entities. Please contact the WCTPA if you have any questions on qualifying in-kind matching funds.
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The table below includes some approximate examples of simplified sample project budgets:
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Eligible Applicants
The following eligible applicants may apply for The American Spirit Grant Program:
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Municipalities (townships, boroughs, or cities) within the geographic boundaries of Washington County, PA. All 66 municipalities are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Non-profit and for-profit businesses are not eligible to apply, however these entities may partner with a host municipality for projects that meet the general spirit and guidelines of the American Spirit Grant Program. If seeking a public-private partnership, the host municipality should contact WCTPA for application approval and guidance. Only one project will be awarded for each qualified municipality in Washington County, PA and the application process will require documentation of an approved municipal resolution authorizing the project.
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project criteria
Eligible projects
Projects must enhance the visitor’s experience by developing new or improving existing Washington County tourist attractions or amenities. A variety of eligible tourism-related projects include restoration or acquisition of historic or cultural exhibits, on-site signage, and physical development or improvement of a tourism facility. The applicant must own or have a long-term lease/easement for the property.
The following list includes suggested thought-starters for eligible American Spirit Grant Program projects. This list is not all inclusive, please contact the WCTPA prior to application if you have questions regarding project eligibility.
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Creation or improvement of historic sites, markers, or veterans memorials in your municipality
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Public art or murals (artwork must be approved by WCTPA prior to grant approval and installation)
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Creation of new public structure marking America250 celebration (example – pavilion or gazebo in public space marking the Semiquincentennial celebration)
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Enhancements to visitors’ experience at public space, park, or other community tourism assets
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Out-of-area marketing costs for new one-time community festival or event held celebrate America250
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Local exhibit or marker connecting to historic theme (must be in a publicly accessible space)
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Local municipal welcome signage acknowledging America250 (signage artwork must be approved by WCTPA prior to grant approval and installation)
ineligible projects
The following list includes examples of ineligible American Spirit Grant Program projects. This list is not all inclusive, please contact the WCTPA prior to application if you have questions regarding potential project eligibility. The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency reserves the right to determine project eligibility.
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General or deferred maintenance expenses of existing community assets
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Operations or equipment costs (salaries/benefits, cameras, computers, vehicles, etc.)
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Parades/Fireworks
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Food or alcohol for events
application process
Click the "Apply Now" button below to access the online grant application portal – only one application per township, borough, or city from Washington County, PA will be accepted.
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Required information:
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Name of Municipality
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Project Title
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Designated Municipal Contact Person
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Municipal Resolution Authorizing Project
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Project Narrative
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Deliverables/Expected Outcome
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Project Timeline (please note, projects must be completed before July 1, 2026)
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Overall Project Budget
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Grant Budget Documentation (itemized costs and estimates for grant funds)
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Matching Funds/Qualifying In-kind Contribution Documentation (itemized costs, estimates, and documentation of cash match and/or in-kind contributions)
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Proof of Property Ownership (if applicable)
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W-9 Form for applicant municipality
Please note – additional documentation or information may be requested throughout the grant review process.
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Application Period
The American Spirit Grant Program will open on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, there is no deadline to apply, but grant projects must be completed by July 4, 2026.
Performance Period
All American Spirit Grant Program projects must be completed on or before July 4, 2026.
Budgeted project costs will be reimbursed upon successful submission of a grant close-out report, including documentation of approved grant expenses, which must be received no later than July 31, 2026.
questions?
The goal of the American Spirit Grant Program is to be as flexible and inclusive of all municipalities in Washington County as possible. If you have any questions, project ideas you are not sure about, or would like to discuss your proposed project idea, we encourage you to contact WCTPA prior to making an application. Our team will be happy to talk through the process and your proposed project to ensure that it meets your goals and complies with the spirit of this program, to celebrate our county in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation.
WCTPA contacts:
Will Thomeier | 724.225.3010 | will@washcochamber.com
Dana Bucci | 724-225-3010 | dana@washcochamber.com
