The 2025 Transportation for Youth to County and Local Fairs Program is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets. This program aims to provide funding for transporting youth to county and local fairs to promote agricultural education and awareness. The total funding available for this initiative is $350,000. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, not-for-profit organizations, and tribal organizations, focusing on supporting agriculture, education, public transportation, and government initiatives.

Applications for this funding opportunity are due by February 18, 2025, at 4:00 PM. A bidder's conference or application workshop was hosted on January 16, 2025, to provide additional guidance to prospective applicants. Any questions regarding the RFP must be submitted in writing by January 31, 2025, to fairs@agriculture.ny.gov. Responses to these questions will be posted on February 7, 2025, on the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets funding opportunities webpage.

The funding is directed towards facilitating access for youth to agricultural fairs, which serve as educational platforms and opportunities for community engagement. While no specific information is provided about the contract length, award letters will be emailed to selected recipients following the application review process. The opportunity has no stated requirement for a Letter of Intent, allowing applicants to proceed directly with submission.

Eligible applicants must demonstrate their capacity to provide public transportation services that align with the goals of the program. Detailed program requirements, submission guidelines, and related documents can be accessed on the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets website. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the materials and address any outstanding questions by the deadline to ensure compliance and successful submission.

For more information, contact Kathryn Davis at Kathryn.Davis@agriculture.ny.gov or refer to the announcement details and question-and-answer links provided on the official funding opportunities page.