By Andi Anderson
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has opened applications for new grant opportunities that support county fairs and agricultural expositions across the state. The funding is designed to improve fairground facilities and promote livestock and commodity events that connect communities with agriculture.
Two major grant programs are available. The County Fairs Capital Improvement Grant Program offers funding of up to one hundred thousand dollars for building renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and capital improvements.
These improvements are meant to increase the usefulness, safety, and long term value of fairground facilities. Eligible applicants must be fairs incorporated under Act 80 of 1855 or county operated fairs under Act 11 of 1929. Fairs that received funding in 2025 are not eligible for this cycle.
The Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grant Program provides grants of up to twenty five thousand dollars. This funding supports activities such as promotions, awards, and premiums for livestock and agricultural commodity events. To qualify, all species shows must host at least two hundred exhibitors, while single breed or light horse shows must include at least five hundred exhibitors.
Both grant programs use a competitive application process. Applications will be reviewed by an evaluation committee to ensure fair and effective use of funding.
Grant proposals must be submitted through the MiAgGrants online portal by mid March 2026. Funding is provided on a cost reimbursement basis and requires a fifty percent cash match from applicants.
County fairs play a major role in Michigan communities. According to the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, the state’s eighty six county fairs attract more than four and a half million visitors each year.
Since 2019, MDARD has delivered more than seven million dollars in funding to help build and improve grandstands, livestock barns, campgrounds, and other fairground facilities. Funding has also supported the promotion of Michigan livestock and agricultural commodities.
MDARD Director Tim Boring emphasized the importance of fairs to the state, stating, “County fairs and expos are a summer and fall tradition cherished by millions of Michiganders. These infrastructure and expo grants help ensure these annual opportunities for people to experience all things agriculture can continue and grow for years to come.”
These grant programs continue to strengthen Michigan agriculture by supporting safe, modern, and engaging fairground experiences for communities statewide.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy