Support Celebrating the American Public Servant Through the People’s 250 Fund
Sponsorship and Partnership Opportunities through the Peoples 250 FundThe National Academy of Public Administration is raising support for The People’s 250 Fund, which sustains and advances the Celebrating the American Public Servant offerings. Contributions to the Fund power the full scope of Celebrating the American Public Servant activities and enable the Academy to honor, elevate, and invest in public servants across the country.
Organizations and institutions are invited to explore meaningful partnership opportunities by downloading the Celebrating the American Public Servant Sponsorship Partnership Packet, which outlines available sponsorship levels, year-long recognition and visibility extending through 2027, and engagement benefits aligned with your mission and impact goals.
Individuals may also take part in this national effort. All supporters who contribute at the Upholders of Liberty level will receive an individual invitation to attend the Celebrating the American Public Servant National Awards Gala on June 22, 2026, at the Library of Congress. A limited number of Upholders of Liberty sponsorships are available, and early registration is encouraged.
Whether as an organizational partner or individual supporter, your investment in The People’s 250 Fund helps ensure the long-term growth, visibility, and national reach of this work and the advancement of excellence in good government.
Reimagining Government: The Next 250 Years
This forward-looking effort will explore how the field of public administration must evolve to meet the complex challenges of the next 250 years. The Academy will bring together leading voices in governance, public administration, and foresight. Through keynotes, scenario-building, and collaborative design sessions, participants will begin co-creating a shared vision for the future of Public Service grounded in the nation’s founding principles of good Government.
This work will culminate in a convening in September 2026, where participants will finalize and launch a comprehensive roadmap for the field’s continued relevance, adaptability, and impact.
Local Gov 250
In honor of the America 250 celebration, Local Gov 250 and the National Academy of Public Administration are excited to announce a campaign to recognize and celebrate the exceptional individuals, from all levels of government, who make a significant impact in their work in cities, counties, regional councils, states and the Federal Government. You've submitted hundreds of individuals who exemplify “democracy at the doorstep” through dedication, innovation, and the highest sense of public service. Your submissions will help us shine the spotlight on the unsung heroes who are making positive changes across America.
Watch this space for the official list of awardees!
Fellows for Democracy and Public Service Initiative
The National Academy of Public Administration and the Bridge Alliance have joined together to launch a landmark initiative dedicated to strengthening American democracy and public service. This partnership brings together the Academy’s distinguished Fellows and the Bridge Alliance’s dynamic, cross-sector network to build a leadership infrastructure for the future of our republic.
Fellows’ Challenge—Solutions for Advancing American Democracy and Public Service
Through research, dialogue, and collaboration, this initiative seeks to generate clear, executable action plans that modernize public service, strengthen electoral integrity, foster constructive engagement, and celebrate the diversity that defines America. The work of selected Fellows will be featured in national campaigns and publications, helping to restore public trust and inspire the next generation of civic leaders.
Celebrating the American Public Servant 250 Gala & National Awards Celebration
This celebration will serve as the ceremonial centerpiece of Celebrating the American Public Servant partnership and a national stage to honor the people who make our government work through their exemplary Public Service. The Celebrating the American Public Servant 250 Gala & National Awards Celebration will take place at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, on June 22, 2026, during the peak of America’s Semi-quincentennial commemorations. Attendees will include leaders from all levels of Government, emerging Public Servants, and civic partners who share a commitment to strengthening democracy through service.
Interested in learning more?
Elevating Ongoing Work
Celebrating the American Public Servant will serve as a unifying brand for the Academy’s curated signature initiatives, aligning them under a shared goal of honoring and humanizing Public Service. These ongoing programs will be infused with new messaging, storytelling, and public-facing engagement, including:
The Why Government Campaign
An ongoing video and storytelling campaign featuring real Public Servants reflecting on why they chose service. This campaign will expand to include new voices, feature...
Critical Conversations Speaker Series
A national civic dialogue series exploring trust in Government, Public Service leadership, and the future of public administration. Celebrating the American Public Servant will bring...
The Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Excellence in Public Service
Recognizing lifetime achievement and outstanding contributions to public administration. The 2026 award cycle will be part of Celebrating the American Public Servant narrative, connecting past...
The National Public Service Award
Co-sponsored by the Academy, this prestigious honor recognizes exemplary Public Servants. In 2026, awardees will be featured as Celebrating the American Public Servant honorees and...