Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grants

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) administers the Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grant Program to support county, regional, and local fairs, festivals, and livestock or commodity expositions. The program operates as a competitive, cost-reimbursement grant, aiming to provide financial assistance to enhance agricultural showcases and encourage public engagement with Michigan’s livestock and commodity industries. Administered at the state level, this program is part of MDARD’s broader mission to promote agricultural economic development and community enrichment. For the Fiscal Year 2026 cycle, up to $25,000 in total funds will be awarded through this program. Individual grant awards range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000, with a strict requirement of a dollar-for-dollar cash match. Each eligible organization may submit only one proposal for one project. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(5) organizations hosting fairs, festivals, or livestock and commodity expositions. These events must involve the public display or exhibition of livestock or commodities for purposes such as education, entertainment, advertising, or competition. The program prioritizes proposals that support new livestock and commodity classes expected to increase exhibitor numbers and provide significant benefits to the surrounding community. Organizations with a record of attracting outside contributions are given precedence. Specific exhibitor thresholds are required for livestock expositions to qualify: a minimum of 200 exhibitors for All-Species shows and at least 500 exhibitors for Single Breed or Light Horse shows. Promotional grants must clearly demonstrate the expected impact on both event attendance and the broader livestock and commodity industry. Allowable expenditures under this grant include financial support for premiums, awards, equipment, and promotional activities. However, funds cannot be used for salaries, labor costs, indirect costs, IT equipment, machinery such as tractors or trailers, livestock purchases for individual use, or building rentals. The program strictly prohibits the use of funds for ineligible expenses and requires adherence to detailed reporting and documentation standards. Applications for the FY 2026 cycle must be submitted electronically via the MiAgGrants platform under a valid Citizen or Business MiLogin Account. The application window opens on October 15, 2025, and all proposals must be received by 5:00 PM EST on March 18, 2026. Award announcements are expected in early May 2026. Projects may begin in May 2026 and must conclude by August 31, 2027. Interim reports are due September 15, 2026, and final reports are due by September 15, 2027. For further information, applicants are encouraged to contact Zane Stanton, Financial Analyst at MDARD, by phone at 517-855-0041 or via email at [email protected]. Additional details and full program guidelines are available in the FY 2026 Livestock and Commodity Exposition Grant Program PDF.