$250,000 for the Next 250: National Issues Forums Institute launches community grant fund alongside new national program
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$250,000 for the Next 250: National Issues Forums Institute launches community grant fund alongside new national program
New grants will help communities nationwide turn civic conversations into local action as America celebrates its 250th anniversary
On July 8 – the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence – National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) is officially launching “What’s Next, America?” as a national initiative designed to help people come together to discuss their communities’ future and take action on the issues they care about most. Along with the initiative’s launch, NIFI is announcing a $250,000 Community Grant Fund to support local organizers, educators and community leaders as they host deliberative conversations and transform ideas into meaningful, nonpartisan civic action.
Those interested in applying for the grants are invited to an informational session at 2 p.m. ET, July 28, and are encouraged to sign up for the “What’s Next, America?” email list to be among the first to know when applications open.
By investing $250,000, NIFI aims to help communities build their civic muscles for the next 250 years as they reflect on the nation’s past, look forward together, and shape what comes next. As of July 8, 111 groups nationwide have expressed interest in organizing local initiatives, and work is already underway in nine pilot communities, including one in Montevallo, Alabama.
NIFI is also proud to announce two new partnerships through “What’s Next, America?” The organization is working with The American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ American Democracy Project (ADP) on a funded faculty-staff cohort to advance deliberative democracy and civic engagement through the public institutions that educate most American undergraduates. Application details will be available in August. NIFI is also partnering with James Madison University’s Madison Center for Civic Engagement over the next three years to bring “What’s Next, America?” to K-12 educators nationwide, including through teacher workshop series.
“America’s 250th anniversary is more than a moment to look back,” said Cristin Brawner, NIFI executive director. “It is also an invitation to recognize the work people are already doing to strengthen their communities and ask what we are willing to do together now. At a time when many people feel disconnected from public life and faith in democracy is declining, ‘What’s Next, America?’ helps communities come together, discuss the issues that matter most, and turn ideas into action. It’s built on a simple belief: democracy is strongest when people have the confidence, skills and opportunities to shape the future of their communities.”
The Community Grant Fund includes two grant opportunities: spark grants to help communities launch “What’s Next, America?” locally and civic action grants to help communities get to work.
Spark Grants
NIFI will award 50 Spark Grants of $1,000 each to help communities organize and begin hosting “What’s Next, America?” conversations. Funding may support partner coordination, participant recruitment, outreach and communications, facilitation, accessibility needs, childcare, transportation, translation services and other participation supports.
Applications open Aug. 2, 2026, the anniversary of the day the Declaration of Independence was officially signed. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis through December.
Civic Action Grants
NIFI will also provide $200,000 in Civic Action Grants, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, to support local projects and nonpartisan civic actions that emerge from community conversations.
Applications open on Constitution Day, Sept. 17, 2026, and will be awarded on a rolling basis.
All grant-funded activities must be strictly nonpartisan and aligned with NIFI’s charitable and educational mission.
About the program
“What’s Next, America?” is a national initiative that helps communities come together to discuss three fundamental questions: “Where are we now? Where do we want to go? How will we get there?” The conversations culminate in an action-focused gathering, or action summit, where participants identify practical next steps for addressing local priorities.
The initiative builds on successful state-based efforts such as “What’s Next, West Virginia?” and “What’s Next, Alabama?,” where community conversations led to projects ranging from local arts festivals and after school programs for teens to addiction recovery support and other locally driven solutions. “What’s Next, America?” helps people move toward actions like these that are tailored to their communities and their needs.
“Across West Virginia, people from different walks of life with different points of view came together in ways that improved lives,” said Betty Knighton, one of the leaders behind the effort through the West Virginia Center for Civic Life. “They were empowered to see their capacity to participate in civic life and make a meaningful difference in their communities.”
NIFI provides free planning materials, participant guides, trainings and networking opportunities to support local “What’s Next, America?” initiatives nationwide.
To peruse these resources and learn more about “What’s Next, America?,” visit whatsnextamerica.com.
About the National Issues Forums Institute
The National Issues Forums Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that equips, empowers and mobilizes people to deliberate together and take action for the public good.
Media Contact:
Christine Fernando
NIFI communications and creative manager
