In a bid to make 2026 the largest volunteer effort in United States history, America250 has launched America Gives. The nationwide initiative aims to mobilise participants across the United States to contribute volunteer hours ahead of its 250th anniversary.
America250 Initiative Aims To Set Record For Volunteer Service
The official America250 website disclosed that America Gives honors the country’s 250th anniversary by expanding civic participation nationwide. The program officially commenced on January 1, 2026, and tracks volunteer hours logged by participants across the country.
America Gives is led by America250, the official semiquincentennial organisation working with the U.S Semiquincentennial Commission. Through America Gives, the organisation aims to make 2026 a record-breaking year for volunteer service. It encourages participation from businesses, nonprofits, schools, faith-based organisations, youth groups, and individuals nationwide.
Per the statement on the website, the program currently reports more than 554,105 volunteer hours. America250 explains that the initiative is part of its broader goal to engage Americans in commemorating the semiquincentennial.
The effort also aligns with America250’s “350 by 250” objective. This goal aims to engage all 350 million Americans by July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“America’s 250th anniversary is about more than reflecting on our past, it’s about honoring the contributions of individuals who built this country, the innovations that put this country on the map and a man on the moon, and imagining what the next 250 years might look like for our children and the generations to come,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
Operational Details And Incentives
Beyond volunteer participation, America250 has committed to donating $1 million in 2026. Participants who log volunteer hours can become one of 250 selected winners and help decide where the charitable donations go.
Meanwhile, the program is open to U.S participants aged 13 and older, with no purchase required. The volunteer hour submission period runs through 11:59 p.m ET on December 1, subject to official rules and eligibility requirements.
Historical and Organisational Context
In a broader historical context, America250, a nonpartisan initiative, plans and coordinates the nation’s semiquincentennial commemoration. Congress created the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016, and it works in partnership with America250.org, the nonprofit supporting organization that executes public-private partnerships tied to the anniversary.
In addition to America Gives, America250 oversees programs such as Our American Story, America’s Invitation, and America’s Field Trip. These programs educate, engage, and unite Americans during the multi-year lead-up to July 4, 2026.
A wide network of sponsors and partners, including Amazon, BNY, The Coca-Cola Company, Coinbase, Deloitte, Domino Sugar, Edison Electric Institute, Walmart, and UFC, supports America250. Other sponsors include: With Honor, Goldman Sachs Gives, JPMorganChase, Lockheed Martin, Oracle, Procter & Gamble, and ScottsMiracle-Gro.
Supporting partners include organisations such as the Aerospace Industries Association and the Alexander Hamilton Society.
