The application period for this program is now open. The amount available for each fair will be $10,050 for AGRI funding and $4,710 for Legacy funding.
County Fair Grants help Minnesota county fairs preserve and promote Minnesota agriculture and provide access to the arts and the state’s agricultural, historical, and cultural heritage. Funds come from the Minnesota Legislature through the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation Program (AGRI) and the Legacy Amendment.
Notes for Fiscal Year 2026
- AGRI and Legacy funds will still be contracted separately. Your fair will receive two contracts if you receive both grants. AGRI funds will be available until spring 2029 (up to three years after the start date). Legacy funds will be available until June 30, 2027.
- New: Starting in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, advances will not be available.
- New: Within the grant application, you must upload a screenshot or copy of your county fair's active registration with the Minnesota Secretary of State. If you need help with this step, contact us.
- New: Within the grant application (or on this page under "Forms and Resources") you must sign a Certification of Non-Suspension/Debarment. This form certifies that your county agricultural society has not been suspended or debarred by the State of Minnesota or the federal government. It must be signed by an individual who has the authority to sign legal documents on behalf of your county agricultural society, such as the president or chair of the board of directors or chief executive officer.
- Fairs must provide brief status updates regarding their FY 2023, 2024, and 2025 AGRI grants in the "Previous AGRI Grants" section of the application.
- Before spending any money, your fair must have a fully executed grant contract agreement (signed by all parties). We'll review applications as we receive them. All applications are due no later than February 26, 2026, 4 p.m. Central Time (CT).
- Fairs are strongly encouraged to not sign contracts with vendors (e.g., performers) until they have fully executed grant contract agreements with the state. If fairs sign vendor contracts beforehand, fairs should note that this is at their own risk as there is no guarantee that the projects will be included into their grant contract agreements. Any payments made before grant contract agreements are fully executed will not be eligible for reimbursement.
Amounts Available
Two types of grants are available. Your fair can apply for one or both.
AGRI: Preserving and Promoting Minnesota Agriculture
- $1 million is available in equal shares to the state's county fairs. For 2026, each fair can apply for $10,050.
- AGRI funds must be used for projects that preserve and promote Minnesota agriculture. Project examples include sound equipment for judging in livestock barns, hand sanitizing stations in barns, fans for livestock barns, and agricultural education displays.
Legacy: Promoting Minnesota Arts and Agricultural History
- $500,000 is available in equal shares to the state's county fairs. For 2026, each fair can apply for $4,710.
- Legacy funds must provide access to the arts or the state’s agricultural, historical, and cultural heritage. Examples of eligible projects include spinning demonstrations, pottery workshops, antique farm equipment displays, and chainsaw artists.
Applicant Eligibility
County agricultural societies (i.e., county fairs) are eligible to apply.
Applying
- Applications are due by 4 p.m. CT on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
- We strongly encourage you to use our online application.
- If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
- Once you are logged in, select “County Fair Grants FY26.”
- Before you apply, read the Request for Proposals - County Fair Grants 2026 (PDF) for guidelines on eligible and ineligible expenses.
Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.
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