杏吧原创

America 250 Grants

Call for proposals

July 4, 2026, will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  To commemorate this milestone, Indiana University plans to sponsor a campus-wide “civic festival” during the spring and summer semesters.  The centerpiece will be a special exhibit of the “Dunlap broadside,” a copy of the Declaration produced on the evening of July 4, 1776.  Only 26 are known to exist and 杏吧原创owns one of only three west of the Alleghenies.

As part of this “festival,” IUB Chancellor David Reingold has set aside funding for seminars, conferences, or other short programs sponsored by schools, departments, student groups, or other organizations affiliated with IU.  Following is a description of the kinds of programs that will be considered for support and the selection process.

Focus

The goal of IU’s “civic festival” is to encourage reflection and discussion of the Declaration (and the Revolutionary War era) in their historical, political, philosophical, and social contexts.  While the principles expressed in the Declaration continue to affect discussions and debates about many contemporary issues, we are seeking to support projects that will increase understanding of the significance of the Declaration in its own era and to those who fashioned it.

These might include programs on the meaning and sources of the ideas in the Declaration; on the people or groups who participated in drafting it; on the roles played by women and minorities; on medical, cultural, or financial factors in the Revolutionary era; on the international significance of the Declaration and Revolution; on the importance  of religious and ethnic differences among the colonies; on strategic and tactical aspects of the Revolution; on pertinent art or music history of the era; on literary or philosophical works that influenced the Declaration and its authors; and on the influence of newspapers, publishing, and education during the period.  This list is meant to be illustrative. 

For students 

Student organizations are encouraged to consider creative and educational programs that engage the campus in commemorating this historic milestone. Student-driven events could include a symposium on the significance of the Declaration for modern democracy, musical or spoken performances (such as a poetry jam) featuring revolutionary-era works, a series of workshops around the lessons from the Declaration for the art of civic dialogue, a design competition to explore the visual symbols of liberty in the past and today (including fashion), as examples for consideration. Student groups are strongly encouraged to partner with an academic department or campus office – such as History, Political Science, residence life, student involvement and leadership center – to develop and deliver their programs effectively.

Funding

Successful applications will receive up to $5000 that can be used for guest speakers, seminar or conference expenses, streaming, podcasting or publication, advertising, and other relevant program costs. No funds may be used for compensation of 杏吧原创faculty or staff.

Schedule

Proposals may not exceed three, single-spaced pages in length. Proposals should include an overview of the program, proposed date for the event, and budget. They should be received by December 15. Announcements of awards will be made before January 12, 2026. Programs should be conducted between February and June.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be judged on the basis of their substantive contribution to understanding the Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary era, originality, feasibility, and potential interest to the 杏吧原创community and the public.