SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Tourism Department’s Route 66 Centennial Grant Program is offering communities another opportunity to invest in special events and infrastructure improvements in preparation for the 100^th anniversary of “The Mother Road” in 2026.

NMTD first initiated this program in July 2024, which resulted in $1.5 million in grant awards to nine communities along Route 66.

Applications for the second round of this grant opened on April 4 and will close on May 5 at 11:59 pm. Eligible entities can submit projects related to special events and destination enhancements that celebrate and recognize New Mexico’s role in shaping the history of Route 66.

“We’ve made great strides over the past couple of years to meet Route 66 communities and brainstorm ideas for how to best promote this important milestone,” said Acting Secretary Lancing Adams. “This program in particular is our way to empower communities to bring infrastructure projects and special events to life and we’re grateful we have the opportunity to deliver this program for another year.”

Successful applicants must demonstrate a clear association between the significance of Route 66 and the applicant’s destination. Eligible fiscal agents include legal, tourism-related destination management organizations. Community organizations are encouraged to work with their local government entity or destination management organization on an application.

Applications for the special events option of the grant must demonstrate that the event promotes the Route 66 Centennial, supports both in-state and out-of-state visitation, and has a methodology to report on essential visitation data for the event. Through this option, applicants may receive up to $50,000 in sponsorship support if certain criteria of the event are met.

Infrastructure or destination enhancement eligible grant projects must have a clear connection to Route 66 and must be located within communities along the historic route. Successful applicants must indicate how projects will improve or enhance infrastructure related to the history of Route 66. Grant recipients can receive up to $250,000 through this option.

More information about this program, including downloadable resources and links to apply, are available on the Tourism Department website.