The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is offering the Water Infrastructure Capital Improvement Grant opportunity to county fairs within the state. This program will assist in the enhancement of water infrastructure at county fairgrounds. The funding would support improvements in water systems at county fairs that will ultimately protect human, animal, and environmental health. Funded through Michigan’s Emerging Contaminants in Food and Agriculture appropriation, the priority of this program focuses on reducing current risks and preventing future impacts from emerging contaminants across drinking water, wastewater, and other fairground water infrastructure. Total funding available for this grant program is $500,000 for fiscal year 2026.
Water Infrastructure Improvement Examples:
March 16, 2026
June 15, 2026, 5pm
Early August, 2026
August 1, 2026
July 31, 2028
August 1, 2027
August 31, 2028
This is a cost reimbursement grant and must have a 0% cash match. Grants will be awarded a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $100,000.
Limit of one project and proposal per fair association.
Interim and final reporting dates will be identified in the final grant document.
Complete the enclosed application form and use the prescribed format to complete a grant request. All grant proposals shall be submitted electronically to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as defined in the timeline. Proposals shall be submitted via MDARD - MiAgGrants Grant Management System.
| Category | Possible Points | Category Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Project Purpose - How well is the need for improvements to water infrastructure defined as they relate to the priority of this funding. | 25 | 25% |
| Expected Measurable Outcomes - Goals and objectives of the project (metrics). | 20 | 20% |
| Budget - Detail and quality of the budget submitted. | 15 | 15% |
| Potential Impact - To fair events, non-fair events, and the next five years of operations. | 15 | 15% |
| Work plan - how will the project be completed and will it meet needs. | 15 | 15% |
| Sustainability - the lasting benefits of the project. | 10 | 10% |
| Total: | 100 | 100% |
