Vermont Agricultural Fairs and Field Days Grants

The Agricultural Fairs and Field Days Capital Projects Competitive Grants Program (24 V.S.A. § 5608) and the Stipend Fund provide grants for 20-year capital improvements and operational stipends to Vermont's agricultural fairs and field days. The Vermont Legislature appropriates funds annually to Vermont Agricultural Fairs Associations to assist fairs and field days with capital improvements and operational costs. Competitive Capital Grants assist nonprofit organizations and municipalities to improve community facilities providing cultural activities to the public; annual stipends support operating costs, plant improvements, and premiums for agricultural fairs or field days events.

Capital Grants are competitively awarded to capital projects related to Vermont agricultural fairs and field days operating a minimum of three consecutive, eight-hour days per year. Projects must have a minimum useful life of 20 years, require a cash match of at least 15% of the grant value, and must be completed by the end of the following calendar year. Stipend funds are distributed annually to Vermont Agricultural Fairs Associations that hold fairs or field days at least annually and offer premiums for competitive exhibits in at least five competitive categories; new applicants must operate for a minimum of three consecutive days, at least eight hours per day.

FY2026 funding availability: $410,000 total, comprising $300,000 for Capital Grants (maximum $37,500 per applicant) and $110,000 for Stipends. Capital Grant recipients must contribute a cash match of at least 15% of the grant value, and projects must have a minimum 20-year useful life and be completed by the end of the following calendar year. Stipends are distributed per the Stipend Distribution Fund Formula in state statute.

Applications are submitted through the Agency's WebGrants system. For the FY2026 cycle, the Request for Applications was released October 15, 2025, applications opened October 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM, the deadline was December 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM, and award notifications were issued February 2, 2026. Contact: Selina Rooney, selina.rooney@vermont.gov, 802-522-7811.