Tag us on Facebook, X, and Instagram with @america250nc! 

Here are example posts that you can use to publicize your grant.

X:

• Southwest Library just received an @America250NC grant! [insert link to the  press release listing your grant award] [attach the social media graphic] #America250NC
• I am excited to announce that I received a grant from @America250NC! [insert link to the press release listing your grant award] [attach the social media graphic] #America250NC

Facebook:

• We are excited to announce that the Upstate Historical Society received a grant from America 250NC! We can’t wait to [explain what your grant will be used for]. [Insert link to the press release listing your grant award] [attach the social media graphic] #America250NC
• Great news! I just found out that I/we received a grant from America 250 NC to [explain what your grant will be used for]. [Insert link to the press release listing your grant award] [attach the social media graphic] #America250NC

Instagram:

• Veterans’ Archives just received a grant from America 250NC! [Attach the social media graphic] #America250NC
• So excited to announce that I was awarded a grant from America 250 NC! [Attach the social media graphic] #America250NC

Please let us know about any upcoming public events associated with your grant that we can help promote. Ideally, we’d like to know about them 2-6 weeks in advance.

We will add your event to our online calendar, sign up for our state-wide e-newsletter, and share it on our social media channels.

America 250 NC Talking Points

If you have newspaper interviews, want to create social media posts, or create your own press release, here are some talking points on America 250 NC. These can help explain why it is a meaningful accomplishment to receive a grant from America 250 NC. They also give a brief overview of the initiative.

Overview

• America 250 NC is North Carolina's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is part of a nationwide effort led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission to honor this milestone in American history.

Key Objectives

• Remember the Past: Highlight North Carolina’s role in the American Revolution and significant events leading up to the independence.
• Celebrate the Present: Recognize the diverse contributions and stories of North Carolinians over the past 250 years.
• Inspire the Future: Foster a sense of civic responsibility and envision a promising future for the state and the nation.

Major Themes

1. Revolutionary NC: Focuses on the historical events of the Revolution and North Carolina’s involvement, showcasing critical moments and figures in the state's history.
2. When Are We US?: Explores themes of freedom, civic responsibility, and democracy, highlighting various movements and changes over the years that have shaped North Carolina.

Planned Activities

• Educational Outreach: Development of educational resources and programs for schools and the public.
• Community Events: A series of events and activities across the state to engage communities and celebrate the anniversary.
• Exhibits and Displays: Exhibitions that highlight North Carolina’s revolutionary history.
• Scholarly Research: Funding and promotion of research projects that delve into different aspects of the state's history.

Grants and Funding

• Community Programs Grants: Available for non-profit organizations and county committees to support public art, educational activities, community events, and more.
• County Committees: Encouraged to form official committees to organize and execute local commemorative activities, ensuring broad community involvement and representation.

Inclusive Commemoration

• Diverse Representation: Ensuring the inclusion of stories and perspectives from all communities, including African Americans, American Indians, women, and other often underrepresented groups.
• Gathering of Voices: Highlighting the historic and contemporary voices of North Carolinians to create a comprehensive narrative.

Involvement and Participation

• County Committees: Local committees are the backbone of the commemoration, tasked with planning and organizing events at the county level.
• Community Engagement: Encourages the involvement of various sectors, including cultural heritage institutions, educational organizations, civic groups, and more.

Contact Information

• North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources: The main coordinating body for the commemoration in North Carolina, providing support and resources for local initiatives.

Most news outlets provide contact information through their main phone lines or on their websites, listing reporters and editors. Useful resources include NPR.org, offering a search tool for finding local public radio stations, and Newslink.org, which categorizes print media, TV, and radio stations by state.

To effectively connect with reporters, research their previous stories to understand their interests. Tailor your story pitch accordingly. A successful strategy involves tying your announcement to relevant events or current news issues to attract attention.

Compile a distribution list encompassing online media, blogs, local newspapers, radio and television stations, as well as news and wire services. Organizations should draft a press release (template provided below) and distribute it to everyone on their list. Individuals who have received grants should personalize their outreach. Whether or not you receive immediate responses, this exercise will hone your ability to present your project effectively and professionally.

Remember to publish your press release on your website and social media platforms. When following up via email or phone, be prepared to discuss key points from your press release. Maintain a friendly and polite demeanor. If your story doesn't capture their interest initially, inquire about the preferred method for future communications regarding press releases or updates.

Remember that you can always reach out to America 250 NC with questions about promoting your grant. 

• When you reach a milestone or complete a significant phase of the project, share it online or on social media.
• When you create a product (such as a blog post, report, exhibit, database, etc.), or your project receives media coverage, share it online or on social media. 
• When you post important updates on social media, make sure you tag the main America 250 NC account (@america250nc) so we can help further your reach by sharing your post.

You can also think about reaching out to:

• local schools
• Members of the General Assembly
• museums
• city council
• libraries
• after-school programs
• the tourism board
• convention center
• chamber of commerce
• professional-society newsletters
• community-calendar listings

Keep in mind that everyone will reach out to different groups, depending on what kind of grant they received.

We’d appreciate your crediting America 250 NC whenever possible. We have a few logo options for you to choose from.

Our primary logo is:

We ask that you try to use this version of the logo first. If it doesn’t fit for any reason, feel free to choose one of the other options in the link below.

Download Logos

Some quick dos and don’ts about our logo:

• Do use any of the logos in this folder
• Do use the white logo on dark backgrounds
• Don’t recreate the logo from text
• Don’t change the color of the logo

If including a logo isn’t possible or appropriate, please use a statement like: “Made possible in part by a grant from America 250 NC, an initiative by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.”

Download a condensed PDF version of the toolkit to easily print or share with others in your organization.

Download Brand Guide PDF