County Fairground Improvement Grant

Annual county fairs are often the culmination of hard work and determination of agricultural families, showcasing projects with passion and pride. For fairgoers, it’s a place to learn, experience and see agriculture first-hand in displays, barns and show rings.  For generations of families, county fairs create memories and nostalgia year after year.  

Ensuring the agriculture facilities on fairgrounds provide a safe environment for people and livestock, and give the best impression of agriculture, is crucial. Volunteer boards dedicate time and effort to keeping fairgrounds up to date. As rural communities celebrate summer, youth benefit from leadership and development experiences and agriculture is showcased as a leading industry. County fairs are essential to Compeer Financial’s vision of creating a world where agriculture and rural communities are dynamic, collaborative and thriving.

Grant Descriptions 
- Supports renovations, updates and improvements to agricultural buildings and facilities on county fairgrounds
- Includes new building or barn construction projects for agricultural needs

Qualifications
Qualified Applicants must:
Support project spaces and facilities used for agricultural displays, livestock, youth exhibitors, agriculture education and outreach
Be located in our 144-county territory

Grant Cycle:
Compeer Giving is committed to serving our territory, therefore past recipients may be limited on when they can apply again. 

• Recipients of the 2025 grant will be qualified to apply again in 2027.  

Grant Details
Applications are open September 1 and are due by October 15.
Grants are for up to $7,500
Awards must be spent on improvements for the upcoming fair season
Organizations must submit a valid Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (W9)
Applicants will be informed of their grant status six weeks after the deadline
Reporting will be due by August 1 the following year, failing to complete reporting may impact future eligibility

Out of Scope 
Funding is not available for all grant requests. Compeer Giving recognizes the needs are vast. 

Specifically for this grant opportunity, our focus is on improving the facilities and buildings that support agricultural exhibitors and 4-H members, rather than the general public, entertainment venues, food vendors or concessions. Additionally, essential facilities, such as storm shelters and bathrooms are out of scope. Awarded dollars are not allowed to be used for deficits already incurred. 

At this time, we are no longer offering the community building grant program. County Fairs with building projects should apply for this grant.   

Questions? Contact [email protected] or call 844-426-6733.