01/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/09/2025 10:22
Proposals due by 5 p.m. on March 14, 2025
LANSING - Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring announced the start of the 2025 competitive grant cycle for both the County Fair Capital Improvement Grant and Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grant Programs. County fairs and other eligible organizations are encouraged to apply for these funding opportunities that facilitate operations and infrastructure improvements at these essential showcases of Michigan's agricultural heritage and community culture.
The County Fair Capital Improvement Grant Program provides $1.5 million in funding for building renovations, infrastructure upgrades, or capital improvements that enhance the productivity, usefulness, or longevity of fairground facilities. Eligible applicants include fairs incorporated under Act 80 of 1855 or county owned and operated fairs operating under Act 11 of 1929. Fairs funded in the 2024 funding round will be eligible to apply again in 2026. Applications for up to $100,000 will be considered. Program information, application details, and submission criteria are available at
MDARD- County Fairs Capital Improvement Grants (michigan.gov).
The Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grant Program distributes $25,000 to fairs, festivals, or expositions for activities including promotions, awards, and premiums. Applications may be submitted for up to $5,000. Details on eligibility, funding qualifications, and eligible expenses are available at MDARD- Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grants (michigan.gov).
Applications for both grant programs will be subject to a competitive process with evaluation committee review. Grant proposals must be received via email by MDARD no later than 5 p.m. ET on Friday, March 14, 2025. Funding will be issued on a cost reimbursement basis with 50 percent cash match required. Additional details are available by contacting Zane Stanton at 517-285-8463 or
[email protected].
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