NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has awarded more than $74,000 in grants across 51 parishes to support local projects marking America's 250th anniversary.

Since launching the Parish America 250 Program Mini Grant in May, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, in partnership with the America 250 Louisiana State Commission and the Louisiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor, has given out $74,150 in total.

The latest round of grants, awarded in July and August, was worth $24,650.

"Our mission has been to ensure every parish in Louisiana is provided resources to celebrate and commemorate the America 250," said Rep. Mike Bayham, chairman of the Louisiana America 250 Commission.

The mini grants offer up to $1,500 each to support projects that engage with the 250th anniversary of the nation and Louisiana's role in its history. Proposals are being accepted on a monthly basis through October while funds are available, with the next application deadline set for Oct. 7.

Among the latest grantees are the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum, which will offer civics literacy programming in three parishes and the Lincoln and Washington Parish library systems, which will install braille American flags.

"As we near the end of this grant opportunity, we are inspired by all of the ways communities have chosen to commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary and we encourage those who haven't yet applied to join in the celebration," said Miranda Restovic, LEH president and executive director.

The LEH said it is particularly interested in receiving proposals from parishes where a grant has not yet been awarded, including Assumption, Bienville, Claiborne, East Carroll, Red River, Richland, St. Helena, West Carroll and West Feliciana.