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 July 15, 2024 - August 19, 2024.  Opt-ins for the Cooperative Marketing track will be accepted from July 15, 2024 - August 13, 2024. 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, nonprofit tourism-related organizations, as designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), municipalities, counties, tribal governments, and special districts (i.e., Councils of Government) within the State of New Mexico.

Note: 501(c)(3) organizations are strongly encouraged to partner with a local government 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: ceremonies, celebrations, media production, marketing and promotion, infrastructure enhancements, and issuance of commemorative items.

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 three 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.
• Marketing and Promotions – The primary goal of this category is to promote Route 66 destinations, particularly communities.  NMTD would manage the marketing of these destinations and for Route-66 related promotions throughout the year.  Communities and eligible non-profits may opt-in to be part of this grant program.  Promotional items and assistance with web development/enhancement can be part of this grant track.
• Infrastructure or Destination Enhancements – Grants in this category would provide funding to improve Route 66 related infrastructure.  Examples of applicable projects could include: upgrading and renovating signs, improving lighting, installing Route 66 related art projects, or supporting historic structure preservation initiatives.