Announcement
The Agriculture Development Division would like to share an update for potential applicants about fiscal year 2021 grant opportunities. Five grant programs which provide critical support to our educational institutions and agriculture and forestry businesses are funded via allocations in the State of Vermont’s annual budget. Because the COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious disruptions in the State’s budgeting process, the Governor approved a “skinny” budget in June which only authorized spending for the first quarter of the State’s fiscal calendar (July through September). The Legislature returns on August 25 and a top priority will be to finalize a budget for the remainder of the fiscal year, pending the Governor’s approval. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the budget and its impact on these programs, the Agency of Agriculture will be delaying the release of the Fairs and Field Days Grants application. Read more ...
Overview
Vermont fairs and field days drew almost 370,000 visitors in 2017 and many of the fairgrounds are utilized for other events, drawing visitors throughout the year. The fairs and events offer opportunities for the agricultural community to highlight their practices, products, skills, and livelihood that are part of the success of maintaining Vermont’s working landscape. In the summer of 2017, the Agency completed five interagency site visits and plans to complete additional visits in 2018. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets has administered the Agricultural Fairs & Field Days Capital Projects Competitive Grants program and the stipend fund for over ten years. Funding is appropriated yearly to assist our fairs throughout the state with capital improvements and operational costs. These two grant opportunities have been combined into one application, which can be accessed using our online grants portal, WebGrants.
For more information regarding the two funding opportunities, please take a moment to review the state statutes regarding Capital Projects Competitive Grant Program and the Stipend Fund Distribution Formula.
How to Apply
The 2019 Fairs and Field Days grant application closed on December 16, 2019. Review the FY20 Fairs and Field Days RFA to learn more about this program, and subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when the application is open.
Eligibility for Capital Grant Program
Eligible Proposals
- Grants shall be competitively awarded to capital projects that relate to Vermont agricultural fairs and field days operating a minimum of three consecutive, eight-hour days per year.
- A project for which a grant is awarded shall have a minimum useful life of 20 years and shall be completed within two years of the execution of a contract to perform work authorized by the grant.
- A grant recipient shall contribute matching funds or in-kind services in an amount equal to 15 percent or more of the value of the grant.
- Project must be completed in 24 months.
Ineligible Proposals
- Proposals from applicants that do not meet the definition of an eligible fair as outlined by the Vermont statute.
- Proposals from applicants who are out of compliance with any federal, state or local laws or regulations.
- Proposals for projects which will not have a useful 20-year lifespan.
- Proposals for projects that have already been completed for which the applicant seeks reimbursement.
- Proposals from applicants failing to meet requirements for previous Agency grants and/or assistance programs, or from individuals or groups unable to perform or having performance issues with previous Agency grant obligations.
Duration of Grants
Maximum of 24 months from grant start date. Should the project change, grants may be amended once the grant application has been approved.
Funding Availability
Up to $25,000 to be distributed per applicant for Capital Grants. Stipends are distributed according to the Stipend Distribution Fund Formula as provided in state statute.
