(PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ) -- The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners has awarded $97,400 in 250th Mini-Grants to 10 organizations across the county. Funding a slate of festivals, exhibitions, research and public educational programs that will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The grants, awarded on a rolling basis since the program launched earlier this year, supports municipalities, schools, libraries, nonprofits and cultural institutions with up to $15,000 per project.
“These grants are an investment in the people and places that make Passaic County what it is. Our municipalities, schools, libraries and cultural institutions know their communities best and they came to use with ideas that are creative, inclusive and rooted in local pride. As we celebrate 250 years of America, these projects celebrate our shared history and the stories that are uniquely ours,” said Commissioner Director Sandi Lazzara.
Grant recipients to date include:
Borough of Haledon: $12,000 for Haledon Day 2026, a signature community celebration featuring a patriotic parade, live performances and an evening fireworks display
Borough of Wanaque: $9,620 for a yearlong 250th Anniversary Celebration series, including veterans breakfast, youth poster project and community events
Borough of Woodland Park: $9,000 for the Woodland Park America 250 Celebration Series, including a concert and cultural festival and commemorative streetlamp banners
Township of West Milford: $12,000 for Community Day and fireworks, featuring historical reenactors, patriotic activities and a community time capsule
Hamilton Partnership for Paterson: $10,000 for a large-scale American 250 community mural at the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, created with local youth by Paterson-born artist Joel Beleno
Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center: $13,000 for “Yogi & the Presidents: An American Life in the National Pastime”, an exhibition tracing Yogi Berra’s encounters with U.S. Presidents across seven decades
Ringwood Public Library: $8,030 for “250+ Years of Ringwood History”, a yearlong series of educational programs for all ages, including hosting New Jersey’s traveling “Revolutionary Lives” exhibit
Joseph A. Taub School (Paterson): $10,000 for “Voices of Passaic County”, a student-driven initiative combining art exhibitions, oral histories, live performances and a podcast series
Passaic Arts & Science Charter School: $10,000 for “250 Years Forward”, an interdisciplinary STEAM program engaging more than 2,000 students in grades K-12, culminating in a public showcase
The Highlands Nature Friends, Inc: $3,750 to advance the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the historic Camp Midvale property
The America 250 Mini-Grant Program is part of a national effort to mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Funded projects honor the nation’s history while reflecting the unique stories, cultures and contributions of Passaic County communities.
Applications remain open. Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis through December 31, 2026 or until available funding is exhausted, with priority given to projects that are open to the public, promote inclusive participation and reflect the history, heritage and identity of Passaic County. Organizations interested in applying should visit seepassaiccounty.org for more details.
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