The Agricultural Fairs & Field Days Grants Program offers capital grants and operational stipends to support Vermont’s agricultural fairs and field days. This program, administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, aims to sustain fairgrounds as essential community spaces that showcase Vermont’s agricultural heritage and attract significant local and tourist engagement throughout the year. These grants are made possible through annual funding appropriations by the Vermont Legislature, allocated to the Vermont Agricultural Fairs Associations.

For fiscal year 2025, a total of $410,000 is available, with $300,000 designated for capital grants and $110,000 for stipends. Capital grants can provide up to $35,000 per applicant to fund long-term infrastructure projects for nonprofit organizations or municipalities that operate fairs or field days for at least three consecutive days per year. Eligible capital projects must have a minimum useful life of 20 years and must be completed within 24 months of the grant award. A 15% cash match from the recipient is required, and applicants must provide quotes to substantiate project costs. Ineligible projects include those without the required lifespan, those already completed, or applications from entities not in compliance with relevant regulations.

Stipends are awarded to help cover operating costs, plant improvements, and premiums for agricultural competitions. To qualify, fairs must operate for at least three consecutive days annually, with events lasting a minimum of eight hours each day. Stipend applications must include detailed financial data specifying the intended use of funds, broken down by plant improvements, general operations, and competitive premiums.

Applicants for capital grants and stipends must submit their proposals through the WebGrants portal by December 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Before applying, prospective applicants should review both the full FY25 Request for Applications (RFA) and the WebGrants Application Guide to ensure a complete and accurate submission. Notifications of award decisions will be made on February 3, 2025.