Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 5/21/2026
Item Status: New
From: Tara Hazelbaker, Director of Finance; Brian Underwood, Grants Director; Jessica Waters, Public Information Manager
Submitted by: Katrina Taylor, Grants Administrator
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ITEM TITLE
Title
America250AL Semiquincentennial Community Grant Acceptance
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Accept and authorize the Chairman to execute the America250AL Semiquincentennial Community Grant Agreement in the amount of $2,500.00 in state-administered commemorative funding for the America 250 Concert to be held June 26, 2026; and
2) Authorize the Chairman to execute any other documents related to this grant application.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: America250AL will distribute up to $725,000.00 in grant funding to Alabama municipalities and counties, as well as to nonprofit organizations that regularly host programming related to the American Revolution and the founding era. These grants will support locally driven commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, ensuring that communities across the state can meaningfully participate in the celebration of this historic milestone.
The Semiquincentennial Community Grants program offers $2,500.00 awards to support local projects that commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Each of Alabama’s more than 460 municipalities and all 67 county commissions are eligible to apply. Communities are encouraged to design projects in collaboration with local schools, museums, libraries, historic sites, and other nonprofit cultural or community organizations to broaden participation and impact. Because funding is limited, each municipality or county commission may receive only one grant, and awards are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Baldwin County Commission, in partnership with the City of Daphne and the Alabama Army National Guard, proposes to host a free, family-friendly America 250 Concert on June 26, 2026, featuring the 151st Army Band. The concert will be free and open to the public and designed to bring families together in celebration of America’s founding ideals, shared heritage, and civic responsibility. The concert will provide a musical walk through 250 years of American history, beginning with traditional concert band selections, transitioning to a New Orleans-style brass band reflecting cultural development, followed by a rock ensemble, and culminating in a patriotic finale honoring service and national identity.
In addition to the performance, the event will incorporate local historical engagement by partnering with Baldwin County Archives and History Department representatives and inviting historical organizations to participate with educational displays or informational materials. This will connect national history to Baldwin County’s own historical narrative and encourage residents to engage with local archival resources.
The event will also promote civic responsibility and environmental stewardship through:
• Educational outreach from Baldwin County Solid Waste & Recycling
• Community awareness booths from local organizations
• Volunteer participation from civic and veterans’ groups
Previous Commission action/date: March 17, 2026 - BCC approved the submittal of the America250AL Semiquincentennial Community Grant application to the America250AL grant portal electronically by staff, requesting $2,500.00 in state-administered commemorative funding for the America 250 Concert to be held June 26, 2026; and authorized the Chairman to sign any other documents related to this grant application.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $2,500.00 in grant revenues
Budget line item(s) to be used: 18170070.52110 - State Grants
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents? Yes
Reviewed/approved by: Reviewed and approved by Brad Hicks, County Attorney on 4/28/2026. (KDT)
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration email executed Agreement (Chairman to sign bottom of page 1) to Katrina Taylor for submittal (Via Email Only).
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed):
cc: Roger H. Rendleman
Tara Hazelbaker
Christie Bezaori
Brian L. Underwood
Katrina Taylor
Shelby Middleton
Jessica Waters
Taylor Lessinger
Additional instructions/notes: N/A