Guidelines & Applicant 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.
Eligible Applicants
The following eligible applicants may apply for The American Spirit Grant Program:
- 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 your project seeks to utilize 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.
Project Criteria
Eligible Projects:
Some examples of potential eligible projects include (but are not limited to):
- Restoration or improvement of historic sites and memorials
- Public art installations or community murals commemorating America 250
- Public structures such as pavilions or gazebos
- Enhancements to public parks or local tourism attractions
- Local municipal welcome signage recognizing America 250
- Out-of-area marketing costs for new events honoring America 250
*Expenses such as general maintenance and operational costs are not eligible. Applicants are encouraged to review full guidelines and consult with the WCTPA to ensure project eligibility.
Artwork or signage is subject to approval by the WCTPA.
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.
- General or deferred maintenance expenses of existing community assets
- Operations or equipment costs (salaries and benefits, cameras, computers, vehicles, etc.)
- Parades/Fireworks
- Food or alcohol for events
Application Process
Only one application per township, borough, or city from Washington County, PA will be accepted.
Required information*
- Name of Municipality
- Project Title
- Designated Municipal Contact Person
- Municipal Resolution Authorizing Project
- Project Narrative
- Deliverables/Expected Outcome
- Project Timeline (please note, projects must be completed before July 1, 2026)
- Overall Project Budget
- Grant Budget Documentation (itemized costs and estimates for grant funds)
- Matching Funds/Qualifying In-kind Contribution Documentation (itemized costs, estimates, and documentation of cash match and/or in-kind contributions)
- Proof of Property Ownership (if applicable)
- W-9 Form for applicant municipality
*Please note – additional documentation or information may be requested throughout the grant review process.
Application Period
- The American Spirit Grant Program will open on May 12, 2025.
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Performance Period
- All American Spirit Grant Program projects must be completed on or before July 1, 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
Eligibility Criteria:
- The SPCEO Jack B. Piatt Scholarship Program is open to anyone attending a post-secondary, college, post-graduate, or technical school in the 2025-26 academic year.
- Applicants must be a current employee (or dependent of an employee) of a member organization of the Southpointe CEO Association. All members of the Washington Chamber of Commerce are also considered members of the Southpointe CEO Association and eligible to apply.
- Applicants must reside in Washington County.
Application Process & Criteria:
- Candidates must apply through our online application portal providing details on their chosen field of study/trade, their service and leadership in their own communities, and how this scholarship will help them give back to Washington County.
Required Information
- Contact – Home Address, phone, and email address.
- Eligibility – Employee or Employee dependent of an eligible organization
- Proof of Enrollment from institution you attend/plan to attend in 2024-25 academic year.
- Two letters of reference that demonstrate the applicant’s academic achievement and/or leadership.
- Incoming college/graduate/technical students: Submit a copy of your high school academic transcript and proof of enrollment for post-secondary education.
- Current college/graduate/technical students: Submit a copy of your academic transcript or most recent report card and proof of enrollment.
Deadline:
- Friday, June 13, 2025 at 5:00pm (no exceptions).
- Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
- Scholarship awards will be announced in July 2025.