Initiative to go up to, past July 4 birthday.
On Jan. 1, America250 – the official nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the nation’s 250th-anniversary commemoration – launched America Gives, a nationwide initiative designed to make 2026 the largest year of volunteerism in U.S. history by challenging businesses, nonprofits, schools, youth groups, faith-based networks and organizations of all kinds to commit to increasing their volunteer efforts and measurable impact.
“America Gives embodies what our Semiquincentennial is all about – celebrating not only our nation’s past, but also its people and potential,” said Rosie Rios, chair of America250. “Through service, we strengthen the bonds that unite us and remind ourselves that the American spirit of generosity and community endures. Together, we can make 2026 a year defined by purpose and action.”
America Gives was developed in response to research America250 conducted showing that most Americans believe rekindling a culture of community service should be part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The initiative aims to build a movement of sustained impact – helping nonprofits expand their volunteer bases and inspiring individuals to continue giving back long after the fireworks fade. America250’s national co-chairs, former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, whose shared commitment to unity and service reflects the Semiquincentennial’s spirit, have also inspired this program.
How to Get Involved Americans can take the Year of Service pledge and log their volunteer hours at america250.org/america-gives. A live national counter on the site will track participation in real time, showcasing the collective hours of service across all 50 states, five territories and Washington, D.C. Participants can easily record their hours by entering their volunteer activity details directly into the America Gives portal. They can also upload stories and photos to inspire others, and explore opportunities to get involved. As of the morning of Jan. 14, 383,226 hours had been logged.
The America Gives website also contains service opportunities near participants, categorized by interest. America250’s national resource partner, Points of Light, will help join interested volunteers with the right organization. But community service activities undertaken as part of the American Legion USA 250 Challenge can also be logged.
To further encourage participation, America250 is launching the America Gives National Sweepstakes, where 250 randomly selected winners will each have the opportunity to direct a $4,000 donation to one of America250’s approved 501(c)(3) Founding Partner charities. In total, $1 million will be donated by America250 through this program as participants log their service hours throughout the year. (NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 12/1/26. Open to U.S. only, 13+. See Official Rules for full details including how to enter, eligibility requirements and prize description/restrictions. Void where prohibited.)
By National Executive Committee resolution, American Legion departments and posts are encouraged to connect with their state and local America250 commissions. An online directory is available to contact these commissions at america250.org/our-partners/state-and-territory-commissions. Share your stories of involvement on Legiontown.
- USA250