By Andi Anderson
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has opened the doors to grant opportunities with the announcement of the 2024 competitive grant cycle for County Fair Capital Improvement Grants. Aimed at supporting Michigan county fairs, the grants facilitate building and other capital improvements to fairground facilities.
Grant proposals must reach MDARD via email no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024. The capital improvement program allocates funds for county fair officials to make necessary enhancements, including structural improvements and building renovations.
In addition to the County Fair Capital Improvement Grant, MDARD introduces shows and expositions grants. These grants offer financial support for awards, premiums, and promotional activities associated with livestock and commodity expositions, fairs, and festivals.
All submitted grants will undergo a competitive evaluation process led by an assessment committee. Eligible applicants encompass fairs incorporated under Act 80 of 1855 or county-owned and operated fairs operating under Act 11 of 1929. These fairs must have submitted all required year-end reports for the prior three years.
Livestock expositions hosting expos must meet the stipulated number of exhibitors. For comprehensive program details, application forms, and submission criteria, interested parties can visit MDARD's official website for County Fairs Capital Improvement Grants or contact Tracy Ebels at MDARD-Fairs@michigan.gov or 517-285-8463.
Don't miss the opportunity to enhance Michigan's county fairs - explore the MDARD grants for a chance to contribute to the improvement of fairground facilities.
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Categories: Michigan, General