Fairs Capital Improvement Grant Program

The Fairs Capital Improvement Grant Program is administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support the infrastructure needs of certified agricultural fairs throughout the state. The program is designed to ensure that fairgrounds remain safe, functional, and capable of hosting agricultural exhibitions and community events. By providing financial assistance for capital improvements, the program helps sustain the long-term viability of these fairs, which play a key role in promoting agriculture, education, and local economic development. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund physical improvements to fairgrounds, specifically focusing on permanent, brick-and-mortar structures and infrastructure. Eligible projects include the construction of new buildings, renovation or repair of existing structures, and enhancements to utilities and site infrastructure such as fencing, roadways, pathways, stormwater management systems, and public address systems. The program also allows for the purchase of land when it directly supports fairground operations. These improvements must be permanent in nature and contribute to the operational capacity of the fairgrounds. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning that grant recipients must first incur and pay for project costs before receiving grant funds. Each grant may provide up to 25,000 dollars, and recipients are required to match the award with an equal amount of cash funding, resulting in a 50 percent cost share requirement. In-kind contributions are explicitly disallowed as matching funds, reinforcing the expectation that applicants demonstrate financial capacity and commitment through direct expenditures. Awards are distributed based on available funding, and not all applicants are guaranteed funding. Eligible costs under the program include construction of new buildings, paving of roads and walkways, installation of new fencing, and purchase and installation of permanent equipment such as walk-in refrigerators, HVAC systems, and public address systems. Additional allowable expenses include structural and utility improvements such as roof replacement, window and siding upgrades, electrical and plumbing enhancements, painting, concrete repair, flooring replacement, and restroom renovations. Conversely, ineligible costs include vehicles, golf carts, portable radios, and any items that are not permanently affixed to the fairgrounds. Eligibility for the program is limited to Pennsylvania’s certified agricultural fairs. These entities must demonstrate compliance with program requirements and the ability to provide the required matching funds. The application process is conducted through the Commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance online system. Applicants must complete and submit their applications by June 30 each year. The process requires submission of project details, cost documentation, and evidence of matching funds. Following project completion, grantees are required to submit a final report that includes a certificate of completion, invoices and proof of payment, and photographic documentation of the completed improvements. This reporting ensures accountability and verifies that funds were used in accordance with program guidelines. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program representative, Tracy Barone, via phone or email. The program operates on an annual cycle, with applications due each year and funding decisions made based on available appropriations.