SUN PRAIRIE, Wis.  – Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America, the Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program, has awarded 62 grants as part of their County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program, totaling $180,000. County Fair Facility Upgrade Grants support county fairs throughout Compeer’s territory by providing a means to improve the facilities and experiences they offer to their rural communities. 

“While the status of summer activities at fairgrounds are still unknown due to COVID-19, we know our county fairs are still in need of building, equipment and grounds improvements,” said Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial. 

Since the program was established in 2018, the Fund has awarded County Fair Facility Upgrade Grants to 181 agencies for a total impact of over $524,500. This year, the grants will touch the lives of 1.7 million people. The Fund intends to offer this grant again in March 2021. 

“These grants will help improve fairground facilities and positively impact rural communities for years to come,” added Schieler. “We hope to aid fairs in providing visitors with the best experience possible as they enjoy the timeless tradition of the county fair.” 

For more information about the Country Fair Facility Upgrade Program, visit compeer.com/giving-back. 

The 62 organizations in Compeer Financial’s territory receiving support from the County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program include: 

Lee County Fair Association — to install new lighting in the main exhibit building 

Ogle County Fair — to add new pens in the sheep and goat barn