County Fairground Improvement Grant

The County Fairground Improvement Grant, administered by Compeer Financial, is designed to support the vitality of county fairs across its 144-county service territory. Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative committed to championing rural communities and agriculture. It maintains a strategic focus on sustainability and growth in these areas, and this grant exemplifies its investment in the future of agricultural engagement and education. Through this program, Compeer aims to enhance agricultural facilities and ensure they provide a safe, appealing, and educational environment for the public and youth exhibitors. This grant program targets improvements to county fairgrounds that directly support agricultural exhibitions. Eligible projects include renovations, updates, and new construction of barns or other agricultural buildings used for displays, livestock, youth exhibits, and agriculture education. The grant specifically excludes funding for general public areas, entertainment venues, concessions, bathrooms, and storm shelters, focusing instead on spaces that represent and support the agricultural mission of county fairs. Compeer emphasizes that funds cannot be used for prior deficits and must be allocated to improvements that can be used for the upcoming fair season. Applicants must be located within Compeer Financial’s 144-county service area and must demonstrate that their project supports agriculture-related exhibits and education. Eligible applicants are typically county fair organizations, and each application must be accompanied by a valid W-9 form for Taxpayer Identification. The program operates on a biennial eligibility basis, meaning that organizations receiving an award in one cycle are not eligible to apply again until two years later. The application window opens annually on September 1 and closes on October 15. Applicants are notified of their award status six weeks after the deadline, and successful applicants are required to submit their final reporting by August 1 of the following year. Failure to complete this reporting may impact future eligibility. This structured timeline ensures that funded projects align with preparation for the upcoming fair season. Evaluation of applications is based on alignment with the grant’s purpose—improving spaces for agricultural displays and education. While the documentation does not detail specific scoring or criteria, the emphasis on agricultural impact and youth development suggests a priority on projects that significantly enhance these aspects. For further inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact Compeer Financial directly at [email protected] or by phone at 844-426-6733. This annual grant cycle demonstrates Compeer's sustained commitment to rural community development and agricultural advancement, reinforcing its vision of thriving, collaborative rural regions.

Failing to report by August 1 may impact eligibility.