The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 with its Preservation & Economic Development Grant Program [PED] – an Official Route 66 Centennial Project. The PED program will provide $42,500 to support Route 66 businesses and attractions this year.
Up to 20 grant awards of $2,125.00 each will be made by a Route 66 PED Grant Program Review Committee, which acts independently of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership.
The program’s goals include helping Route 66 businesses and attractions stay in operation or reopen. Bill Thomas, Chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, said, “The Preservation & Economic Development Grant Program also supports preserving, restoring, or expanding – as well as starting new – Route 66 businesses and attractions.”
Businesses and attractions located on Route 66 that employ fewer than 20 full-time employees or are a small, locally owned franchise with five or fewer locations may apply. Eligible activities include capital improvements, historic preservation planning or work, and accessibility or community outreach.
Applications for the Route 66 Preservation and Economic Development Grant Program are available now and will be accepted through September 29, 2025. Apply Here.
Established in 2016, with the support of the National Park Service and the World Monuments Fund, The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership’s mission is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research, education, and economic development.
