FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is the Northville Educational Foundation involved with the Bicentennial Celebration?

Northville Educational Foundation (NEF) is the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for administering Northville’s Bicentennial Celebration.

NEF is proud to partner with the Bicentennial Task Force, chaired by Rick Sharpe and filled with dedicated community volunteers, to help bring this vision to life and ensure a successful and inclusive celebration of Northville’s past, present, and future.

As the presenting organization, NEF provides the legal, financial, and organizational structure that enables this community-wide initiative to take place. Our board of directors, staff, and volunteers are committed to ensuring that the Bicentennial delivers meaningful educational value—creating opportunities for Northville students to engage with, learn from, and contribute to the celebration of our community’s 200-year history.

The Bicentennial is funded through private community support. As stewards of those funds, NEF is committed to transparency and long-term community impact. Any funds remaining after the conclusion of the celebration will be reinvested back into the Northville community through NEF’s established grant process—supporting educators, students, and organizations that provide meaningful educational opportunities.

How do I become one of the Northville 200?

The Northville 200 is open to the first 200 individuals or families who make a one-time, tax-deductible donation to support Northville’s Bicentennial Celebration. You can contribute via check or online donation (see above).

Can my business or organization support the Bicentennial Celebration?

Yes, there will be opportunities for businesses to donate and sponsor a variety of Bicentennial components, and for local organizations to participate. But, The Northville 200 is open only to individuals and families, highlighting those past and present residents who do so much to make Northville what it is.

What do I get for being one of the 200 donors?

First and foremost, the legacy of being one of 200 people that have made a lasting impact on the town through the Bicentennial Celebration. Northville 200 members will each receive name recognition on a permanent piece of public art in Downtown Northville that will hold our Bicentennial Time Capsule. They will also receive special recognition at events and activities during the Bicentennial year of 2027.

What will the Bicentennial Celebration include?

While some initiatives and activities are not ready to be announced, the Bicentennial will include four weekend-long celebrations throughout 2027, each celebrating the many people, events and milestones that have contributed to Northville’s success. The Bicentennial Task Force is also developing brand new historical markers that will be permanently installed throughout Northville and Northville Township. A Bicentennial Time Capsule will be created and dedicated in Downtown Northville, to be secured inside a piece of public art that celebrates the Bicentennial and the Northville 200 donors. More details about the celebration will be shared publicly as we draw closer to 2027.