For nearly two and a half centuries, the United States has stood as a powerful symbol of freedom, democracy and opportunity. Unlike any other nation in history, it was founded on a bold and unifying creed: that all people are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, Philanthropy Roundtable is proud to celebrate our nation by expanding the Civics Playbook digital resource with high-impact organizations enhancing civics education nationwide. With generous support from the Daniels Fund, this initiative highlights exceptional organizations leading the way in civic education and engagement.
Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary: While each of our newly featured civics organizations is dedicated to celebrating A250, two are launching particularly unique programs to commemorate this historic event.
- The Center for Civic Education is bringing civics to life through hands-on, experiential learning. Its flagship We the People program is a comprehensive civics curriculum, featuring simulated congressional hearings where students testify before judges acting as members of Congress. In celebration of A250, the Center will introduce a special hearing question, free themed webinars, classroom resources and a new online hub to support teachers and students nationwide.
- The Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), led by veterans, provides youth leadership training rooted in patriotism and civic values. For A250, MOWW will incorporate commemorative themes celebrating American patriotism, culture, innovation and the nation’s future into its national and local programs. These include the annual National Convention, local historical reenactments and youth activities, all aimed at bringing the story of America to life for students and communities alike.
Faith-Based Approaches to Civics: Two organizations strengthen civics education through a values-based, faith-informed lens.
- Civic Spirit serves a diverse network of over 1,000 educators from more than 200 faith-based schools, cultivating civic knowledge, responsibility and a sense of belonging across different faith traditions. Its programming inspires students and teachers to engage meaningfully in American civic life.
- The John Jay Institute has shaped over 850 young leaders through its postgraduate fellowships, placing them in key institutions where they advance faith-informed public service. Fellows are engaged in communal prayer, intensive studying of significant texts and rigorous discussion to equip them spiritually, morally and intellectually for a future of principled leadership.
University-Led Civic Renewal: The final two additions are based in higher education and aim to catalyze civic renewal across their respective states.
- The Center for American Civics at Arizona State University trains hundreds of teachers and students in constitutional principles and American history. Through professional development workshops and free teaching resources, the Center ensures K-12 educators have the tools necessary to prepare the next generation for informed citizenship.
- The Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee promotes civic knowledge, virtue and constructive deliberation across the state through courses, student programs and public events. Its work strengthens civil discourse and intellectual pluralism, empowering students and citizens alike to engage in the democratic process grounded in the ideals of freedom and limited government.
America’s 250th anniversary is a historic opportunity to strengthen the civic fabric that sustains our republic by investing in the institutions shaping our future. By supporting the high-impact organizations in our Civics Playbook, we honor the principles on which our nation was founded and continue to safeguard liberty, opportunity and personal responsibility for generations to come. As the nation prepares for this milestone, the Roundtable will continue expanding the Civics Playbook by highlighting additional exemplary organizations through the end of the year.
