The Route 66 Centennial grant program is located on the NMTD website and entities can provide applications for one or all of the grant categories, by completing an individual application track for each category.  Application instructions will be delineated with the NMTD website.

Applications for the Infrastructure and Special Events track will be accepted from April 4, 2025 - May 5, 2025.  All applicants will be notified of award status.  Successful applicants will be provided with agreements signed within a month following award notification.

Who is eligible to apply?

An eligible fiscal agent is required for all parts of the Route 66 Centennial Grant Program.

Eligible fiscal agents include legal, tourism-related destination management organizations, as designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), municipalities, counties, tribal governments, other governmental entities (i.e., state agencies, colleges, universities) and special districts (i.e., Councils of Government) within the State of New Mexico.

Note: 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations must partner with an eligible fiscal agent for all parts of this program. Additionally, 501(c)(3) organizations must be registered with the New Mexico Secretary of State and be in good standing with the New Mexico Department of Justice, formally known as the Attorney General’s Office. 501(c)(6) organizations must be registered with the New Mexico Secretary of State.

What qualifies as a Route 66 Centennial project?

A Route 66 Centennial Project must have a clear tie to Route 66.  The project must be within the communities connected to the recognized historic alignment of Route 66 within New Mexico. Projects must adhere to the grant categories established through these guidelines.

Projects must raise awareness about the history and significance of Route 66.  Centennial projects can also encourage the preservation and conservation of its historic sites and provide experiences for travelers, history enthusiasts and tourists from across the country and around the world to contribute to tourism in New Mexico.  Projects can also instill a sense of pride for residents celebrating the important Route 66 historic resources through programs, initiatives and events.

Projects can fall within one or more of the following nationally recognized strategic principles with regard to Route 66 activities, to include:  Celebrate and honor; preserve protect and enhance; generate tourism demand; tourism development; economic development; national collaboration; and research and education. 

Examples of applicable projects can include, but are not limited to: festivals, ceremonies, celebrations, and infrastructure and destination enhancements.

Projects that are matched through other resources and part of larger community initiatives will be considered as part of this process.  In addition, projects that are tied to multi-community or multi-state programs and that are tied to the National Route 66 Commission endeavors are welcome.

Please refer to the map below for communities eligible for the Route 66 Centennial Grant Program:

Grant categories have been established in order to allow applicants the opportunity to craft proposals within two key areas.  Applicants can apply to any and all of the categories.  The grant categories include:

• Special Events – This grant category is related to promotional sponsorship for Route 66 events, fairs and festivals.   Successful applicants will identify NMTD as an official sponsor of the event and co-brand marketing with the official New Mexico Route 66 logo.
• Infrastructure or Destination Enhancements – Grants in this category are intended to support small-scale, easily achievable projects that can be completed within 12 months or less. Funding will focus on improvements to Route 66 related infrastructure that are manageable and have a clear, short-term impact. Examples of applicable projects include: wayfinding signage, public art and murals, rehabilitation of historic signage, beautification for tourism purposes, and other small-scale projects that can be completed within 12 months or less.