The Quiet Engine of America's 250th

America250 made a striking choice for the anniversary year: its signature national initiative is not a monument or a spectacle but a service drive. America Gives, launched on January 1, 2026, set out to make this the largest year of volunteerism in American history—a standing invitation to faith communities, places of worship, nonprofits, schools, local groups, and companies to mark 250 years of independence by showing up for their neighbors. The commemoration's National Resource Partner, Points of Light, the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, connects willing hands with the organizations that need them, while the America250 Funding Directory links local initiatives with supporters nationwide.