Overview
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. Vermont fairs and field days drew over 340,000 visitors in 2019 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.
For more information regarding the two funding opportunities, please take a moment to review the state statutes regarding Capital Projects Competitve Grant Program and the Stipend Fund Distribution Formula.
How to Apply
The Agricultural Fairs & Field Days Capital Projects Competitive Grants program and the Stipend Fund have been combined into one application, which can be accessed using our online grants portal, Webgrants. Due to the cancellation of Vermont Fairs & Field Days events this year, VAAFM will use both current and 2019 data to determine awards. The 2021 Fairs and Field Days grant application will be open from November 16, 2020 through December 16, 2020 at noon.
Review the FY21 Fairs and Field Days RFA to learn more about this program, and subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of program updates.
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
A total of $301,730; $191,730 available for Capital Grants and $110,000 for Stipends for FY2021. 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.
