Northern Ireland's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced £250k for organizations to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, just three weeks after securing 'special status' for Northern Ireland in the America250 programme.
The Minister announced the funding on Thursday, April 3 during a meeting of the US/NI Cultural Working Group, which was established by Lyons last year.
The Department said on Thursday that further information on how organizations can apply for funding will be announced in the coming months.
‼️👀 Big news!
Minister @GordonLyons1 has announced £250,000 in funding for organisations to mark the @America250 celebrations.🗣️🎉
This investment will help local organisations celebrate our deep heritage links with the US, strengthening cultural connections and fostering even… pic.twitter.com/ttMFevd4VL
— Communities NI (@CommunitiesNI) April 3, 2025
“We have always had strong cultural and historical bonds with the United States with early settlers from Northern Ireland playing a significant role in communities across the US," Minister Lyons, of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), said on Thursday.
"To highlight this landmark 250-year anniversary, I will be providing £250,000 of funding to ensure Northern Ireland can celebrate this historic event.
“During a recent trip to Washington, I met with representatives from America250, the Congressional Commission planning the 250th anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to discuss how Northern Ireland can play a key role in the celebrations.
"These ongoing discussions have further strengthened the high-level, collaborative relationships we have, and I am keen to explore practical ways we can continue to work with the US/NI Working Group to celebrate the anniversary and give a voice to our shared heritage.
“The celebrations planned in 2026 offer a fantastic opportunity for Northern Ireland to be part of this historic milestone, to strengthen relationships with the US and promote our shared cultural connections.
"This funding announcement will encourage more local people to celebrate our place in the founding of modern America and to mark the global impact of the Declaration of Independence.”
"Special status"
Thursday's announcement comes less than a month after the Department of Communities announced that Lyons had secured "special status" for Northern Ireland in US 250th anniversary celebrations.
The Department said on March 13 that Lyons had "secured the unique role, underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), in his discussions with America250 Chair Rosie Rios, Commissioner Joe Crowley and Interim Executive Director Jen Condon in Washington DC."
Lyons said he was "pleased" to have secured the agreement, as well as to announce that Northern Ireland will have "special status next June during a major international event and celebration."
He said: “The Memorandum of Understanding reflects a shared vision to celebrate our historic connections and underscores the vital role the Ulster-Scots played in shaping America.
“This is an exciting moment to promote our culture, heritage, and future collaboration with the United States.”
The Department noted that the MOU, which will be developed in the coming months, will outline a framework for cooperation including cultural exchanges, educational programmes and events, both in Northern Ireland and the US as part of America250’s initiative.
The Department added that representatives from America250 expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting Northern Ireland’s historical significance and the potential for an exciting, collaborative programme.
Shared history
Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, said: "As we prepare for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we recognize the deep and lasting ties between the United States and Northern Ireland.
“I’m excited to invite Northern Ireland to participate in our celebrations next year, recognizing our shared history and the invaluable contributions of those with Northern Irish heritage to America’s story.
"I look forward to working together to create meaningful moments of reflection and connection as we mark this historic milestone."
The Department said that the discussions highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Northern Ireland and the US, recognizing the significant contributions of Ulster-Scots to the founding and development of the US.
Minister Lyons emphasized the unique opportunity this milestone presents to showcase Northern Ireland’s shared heritage and strengthen transatlantic relationships.
Lyons concluded: “This is about more than history – it is about building a legacy of connection and opportunity.
"I look forward to seeing this partnership come to life over the next year and beyond."
What is America250?
On July 4, 2026, the United States will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America250 is the Congressional Commission planning the anniversary celebrations.
The US Semiquincentennial Commission was established by US Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the milestone anniversary.
Appointed by the House and Senate leadership of both parties, the nonpartisan Commission is composed of 16 private citizens, four US Representatives, and four Senators, as well as 12 Ex Officio members from all three branches of the federal government and its independent agencies.
America250.org is the nonprofit supporting organization to the US Semiquincentennial Commission with a focus on procurement, development, and facilitation with the team of service providers for programming purposes.
The Congressional America250 Caucus includes more than 260 Members of Congress, providing a forum for lawmakers to participate in and promote America’s 250th anniversary on Capitol Hill. The Caucus also serves as a resource for lawmakers as well as Congressional staff who are interested in being a part of the effort.
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