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Michigan Agriculture Department Opens Funding Applications For County Fairs
Russ Survance
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:48:10 EST
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Application Deadline: March 18th, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has opened two grant programs to support county fairs and agricultural exhibitions across the state, with applications accepted through mid-March 2026.
MDARD's capital improvement initiative offers up to $100,000 per award for facility enhancements at fairgrounds, including structural renovations and infrastructure development. Eligible applicants include fairs chartered under 1855 legislation (Act 80) or county-managed fairs under 1929 law (Act 11), excluding organizations that received 2025 funding.
A separate program provides up to $25,000 for agricultural events to cover promotional activities, awards, and premiums. Eligibility requirements include minimum exhibitor thresholds: 200 participants for multi-species events and 500 for single-breed or light horse competitions.
Both initiatives require applicants to submit proposals through the MiAgGrants digital platform by the March deadline. Awards operate on a reimbursement model with recipients providing 50% matching funds. An evaluation committee will review submissions competitively.
Michigan's 86 county fairs draw over 4.5 million visitors each year, according to the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions. Since fiscal year 2019, MDARD has distributed more than $7.9 million to support fairground construction projects and agricultural promotion activities.
Director Tim Boring emphasized the cultural significance of these events as traditional gathering places where residents connect with agricultural heritage.
