Fairs and festivals can be organized as community-based celebrations or large-scale events tailored for special interests. Various sources of funding include private, state and federal grant opportunities.
Private Organizations
Private organizations, including national and local groups, typically provide funding for fairs and festivals centered around specific interests. Examples include the film festival grants awarded annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, or the Festivals of Cedarburg Community Grant program awarded annually to groups in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Explore available grants online and through the local chamber of commerce.
State Allocations
Fairs and festivals serving broad populations or garnering significant revenue may become eligible for allocated state funding in the annual legislative budget. For example, West Virginia made event allocations of over $2.6 million in 2008. Investigate this possibility with the state representative or senator serving your local area.
Federal Agencies
Multiple federal agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture and the National Endowment for the Arts, provide funding for support of local and regional heritage tourism projects, many of which can include fairs and festivals as a component. Funding is awarded annually with guidelines and restrictions varying by program. Explore these possibilities through a web search for "federal tourism funding."
