State leaders, including the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and the America 250 Louisiana State Commission, are offering Parish America 250 Program Mini Grants to support public humanities programming across Louisiana. The initiative is designed to engage local audiences and showcase the state’s role in the founding and development of the United States.
Eligible applicants include parish governments, school boards, tourism commissions and nonprofit organizations. Funded projects may include lectures, panel discussions, historical reenactments, festivals, exhibits, public art, educational programs and museum or archival initiatives. Grants of up to $1,500 are available to support these efforts.
Billy Nungesser said the program provides an opportunity for communities statewide to share their stories and preserve their heritage. Miranda Restovic added that Louisiana’s historical contributions are often overlooked and this initiative allows communities to highlight their unique role in the nation’s history.
Applications submitted by the priority deadline of May 8 will receive early consideration, while additional applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Oct. 31 or until funding is exhausted. Mike Bayham encouraged all 64 parishes to participate and create projects that reflect their local history as part of the nationwide semiquincentennial celebration.