The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is offering the Livestock and Commodity Exposition Competitive Grant for Fiscal Year 2025, providing up to $25,000 to county fairs, regional fairs, local fairs, festivals, or livestock and commodity expositions that are nonprofit 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(5) organizations. The grant aims to support events that showcase livestock, commodities, or related activities that have educational, competitive, or entertainment value for the public.

The grant application process follows a specific timeline, with proposals due by 5:00 PM on March 14, 2025. Grant recipients will be announced in early May 2025. The project or program duration extends from May 2025 through August 31, 2026. Interim reports are due by September 15, 2025, and final reports must be submitted by September 15, 2026.

Eligible applicants include associations or other organized events that host fairs, expositions, or festivals, with a focus on livestock and commodity exhibitions. Priority will be given to events that have successfully secured outside funding, as well as those that introduce new livestock and commodity classes to increase exhibitor numbers and community impact. Fairs applying for grants must have submitted all required year-end reports for the prior three years. Livestock expos should meet specific exhibitor requirements: an All-Species show must have at least 200 exhibitors, and a Single Breed or Light Horse Show must have at least 500 exhibitors. Expositions or festivals applying for promotional grants must demonstrate how the funds will positively affect attendance and the livestock and commodity industry.

Eligible expenses for the grant include financial support for awards, premiums, equipment, or promotional activities. Ineligible expenses include salaries, indirect costs, labor costs, IT equipment, machinery such as tractors or trailers, livestock purchased for personal use, and building rentals. The grant is a cost reimbursement program, requiring a dollar-for-dollar cash match, with a minimum award of $1,000 and a maximum of $5,000. Only one proposal per organization is allowed, with a limit of one project and proposal per fair, exposition, or statewide festival organization.

To submit a proposal, applicants must complete the prescribed grant application and submit it electronically to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development by the specified deadline. Proposals should be emailed to Zane Stanton at MDARD-Fairs@michigan.gov.