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January 25, 2026 3 min read
As the United States looks ahead to its 250th anniversary in 2026, the commemoration is not only about honoring the past—it is also about shaping the future. One of the most ambitious modern initiatives tied to this milestone is America Gives, a nationwide effort designed to spark the largest year of volunteer service in American history.
Launched at the start of 2026, America Gives reflects a growing belief that service, generosity, and civic participation are essential to the nation’s long-term strength.
America Gives is a national initiative led by America250, the official nonpartisan organization established by Congress to coordinate the country’s Semiquincentennial celebration.
The program calls on Americans from all walks of life—businesses, nonprofits, schools, faith-based groups, youth organizations, and individuals—to increase volunteer efforts and create measurable, long-lasting impact throughout 2026 and beyond.
Rather than focusing solely on ceremonial events, America Gives emphasizes action, encouraging citizens to actively contribute to their communities as a way of honoring 250 years of independence.
Research conducted by America250 revealed a clear message: many Americans believe that rebuilding a culture of community service should be a defining part of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
America Gives was developed in response to this insight, with the goal of:
Expanding volunteer participation nationwide
Strengthening nonprofits through sustained support
Inspiring a habit of service that continues well after 2026
At its core, the initiative reinforces a timeless idea—that American strength is rooted not only in history, but in people coming together to serve others.
The spirit behind America Gives is further reinforced by the involvement of America250’s National Co-Chairs, former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Their shared emphasis on unity and service reflects a bipartisan commitment to encouraging civic engagement during the Semiquincentennial.
This leadership underscores that service is a unifying value—one that transcends political differences and connects Americans through shared purpose.
Participation in America Gives is designed to be accessible and inclusive.
Americans can:
Take the Year of Service pledge
Log volunteer hours through the official America Gives platform
Share stories and photos highlighting their service experiences
Discover volunteer opportunities based on location and interests
A live national counter tracks total volunteer hours across all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C., visually showcasing the collective impact of service nationwide.
To help connect volunteers with meaningful opportunities, America250 partners with Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. This partnership ensures individuals and organizations can find the right causes to support, from environmental conservation to veterans’ services and community care.
To further motivate involvement, America Gives includes a national sweepstakes tied to volunteer participation.
Throughout 2026:
250 randomly selected participants will each direct a $4,000 donation
Donations go to approved nonprofit partners
A total of $1 million will be distributed to charitable organizations
This approach reinforces the initiative’s core mission: turning individual acts of service into broader community impact.
America Gives is supported by a wide network of corporate, nonprofit, and public-sector partners committed to activating millions of volunteers nationwide.
Major companies, national nonprofits, service organizations, and community groups have pledged to mobilize their networks under the America Gives banner. Together, these partnerships aim to create the most coordinated volunteer effort in U.S. history.
This collaboration highlights how public and private sectors can work together to strengthen communities during a historic national milestone.
America Gives reframes the Semiquincentennial as more than a symbolic anniversary. Instead, it positions 2026 as a year defined by purpose, participation, and positive change.
Just as historic moments like the Battle of New Orleans demonstrated courage and unity in the nation’s early years, America Gives represents how those same values can be expressed today—through service to others and commitment to community.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, many Americans are choosing meaningful ways to honor this historic milestone. Explore America 250 commemorative designsat GeckoCustom—crafted to celebrate heritage, unity, and pride in the American story as we move toward 2026.
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