Bicentennial Community Project

Application

Our city’s Bicentennial will be celebrated across Indianapolis from June 1, 2020 until May 31, 2021. The Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission is seeking to partner with civic, nonprofit, and/or community-based organizations (i.e. agencies, associations, neighborhoods, schools, museums and organizations) that are wanting to plan Bicentennial-centric projects or events, in order to ensure the year-long commemoration is felt throughout the community and is truly reflective of the diversity and spirit of Indianapolis. Over the next two years, the commission will be accepting applications for proposed projects and events that align with the four bicentennial themes and meet a set of basic criteria. If selected, these independently organized programs and events will receive an official endorsement from the Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission.

Why Seek Endorsement?

Projects and events endorsed by the Bicentennial Commission will receive:

  • Official recognition by the Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission
  • Permission to use the official Indianapolis Bicentennial logo, on related promotional materials, in accordance with established guidelines
  • Promotion on the City’s Bicentennial calendar, website, and social media channels

Important COVID-19 Update

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, please follow the “Guidance for Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and monitor both the Indiana State Department of Health and the Marion County Public Health Department for important public health information.

How to Request Endorsement

Organizations seeking an endorsement from the Bicentennial Commission must fill out the below application.

To be considered by the Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission, community projects and events must have a clear tie to one of the four bicentennial themes: History, Civic Pride, Innovation, or Legacy.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate that the proposed project or events meet the following threshold criteria and at least one of the recommended goals outlined below. Priority will be given to projects that meet multiple goals.

Threshold Criteria

Projects or events must be:

  • Connected to City’s bicentennial
  • Open to the public
  • Accessible
  • Independently fundable and achievable (without Commission support)

Goals of the Bicentennial Community Partnership Initiative

Projects or events must also meet at least one of the following goals:

  • Commemorative
  • Inclusive
  • Forward-thinking

Ineligible for Endorsement

The Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission reserves the right to decline endorsement of any project or event. The following projects will not be considered for endorsement:

  • Projects by individuals
  • Projects by for-profit entities
  • Projects by political organizations

Application for Endorsement

  • Proposed Project / Event Information

    We define a Project as a long-term/bigger-scale proposal whereas an Event is a short-term/smaller-scale proposal.

  • Applicant Contact Information

  • Project / Event Description

  • Please provide a brief description of the proposed project/event in the space below. Please note -- this description should be brief and may be used in promotional materials, on the bicentennial website / social channels, or provided to media.
  • In the space below, please list who will be helping to make this event, program, or project happen.

  • Bicentennial Goals

  • In the space below, please explain how your program or event meets the criteria for selection by the bicentennial commission.
  • How does your project/event relate to one of the bicentennial themes? Please explain below.
  • How does your project/event address one or more of the goals of the bicentennial community partnership initiative? Please explain below.
  • Please upload at least one letter of support from a community partner
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    Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 256 MB.
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