The county and local municipalities will team up for the "CMC Land of the Free 250" program. (Courtesy of Cape May County)
Philadelphia won’t be the only place celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday this year.
Cape May County has established the “CMC Land of the Free 250” grant program to help its 16 municipalities hold patriotic-themed events in honor of America’s semiquincentennial in 2026.
The countywide initiative includes up to $250,000 in funding that will be distributed as matching grants to municipalities to support new, expanded and inspiring celebrations commemorating the 1776 signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.
Each municipality is eligible to apply for a one-to-one matching grant, with a maximum county contribution of $25,000.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation moment, and it deserves to be marked in a way that is meaningful, respectful, and community-driven,” Leonard Desiderio, director of the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, said in a news release announcing the grant program.
“Through the CMC Land of the Free 250 grant program, the county is making a significant investment in our municipalities. Our goal is to foster and facilitate local celebrations that share each town’s unique patriotic stories, highlight our common heritage, and bring residents and visitors together in celebration of the freedoms that define our nation,” Desiderio added.
The program was created to help municipalities hold celebrations that reflect their unique local character while honoring the shared national heritage of independence, liberty and freedom, according to the release.
The county emphasized that the initiative is intended to support and elevate local independence celebrations – not replace, compete with or overshadow existing municipal events.
The grant program will also help to highlight Cape May County’s historic role in the Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet off Wildwood Crest on June 29, 1776. The battle was recognized as one of the early victories of the Continental Navy under Capt. John Barry, later known as the “Father of the American Navy.”
All grant awards will remain subject to the availability of funds, adherence to program requirements and final approval by the Board of Commissioners.
Additional details regarding application timelines and program guidelines will be released by the county in coming weeks.
