Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) awarded grant funding to six partner organizations last week, marking the end of its fall 2024 grant cycle.

Four organizations received FFNHA Project Grants: the Black Archives of Mid-America, Friends of the Wabaunsee Cemetery, Gardner Historical Museum, and Smithville American Legion Historical Society.

Additionally, two organizations received FFNHA America 250 Grants: the Douglas County Historical Society and the Geary County Historical Society. The award, inaugurated this cycle, will help partners prepare for and attract increased tourism during the US Semiquincentennial in 2026.

FFNHA Project Grants, formerly Interpretive Grants, have been awarded annually since 2012. The next FFNHA Project Grant cycle will begin on November 18, 2024.

“Obviously, we’re always excited to fund our partners’ projects — to see them progress and come to fruition,” said Kate Sutter, Director of Programming. “But what was really thrilling this time around was offering America 250 grants. 2026 is going to be such a wild year. The World Cup alone will bring so many people here. People from all over the world will be visiting communities in the heritage area for the first time in their lives. We can’t wait to support our partners as they prepare for that.”

Over the past 12 years, Freedom’s Frontier grant programs have funded over 100 projects across 41 counties.