Through our community donations, the State Fair of Texas is focused on supporting the local South Dallas/Fair Park community in three areas: Education (primarily high schools in the Fair Park area), Capacity Building of Nonprofits, and Economic Development. As a neighbor in this community, we are committed to supporting organizations that are providing services in this area.
Information on funding
State Fair of Texas has opened the applications for the first cycle of 2020 Grants and Sponsorships. Some changes have been made to our granting process, so please take note:
- The State Fair of Texas will offer grant and sponsorship opportunities in two cycles throughout the year. This means you must anticipate the period for which you are requesting funding and apply in advance for the cycle whose disbursement correlates best. We will not accept applications or disperse funds outside of these cycles.
- While an organization can apply for both of the cycles, an organization can only be selected and funded for a grant or sponsorship only once throughout the year, so please consider all of your initiatives and prioritize the ones you will need the most help with.
- If you are selected to receive funding, you must complete the mandatory reporting by the deadline indicated. Failure to do so will prevent you from being considered for any future funding opportunities, so please ensure you are aware of the deadlines ahead of time.
- Only previously funded programs for summer 2019 can apply in 2020. Summer program funding will have a different application process and timeline for organizations operating in the South Dallas/Fair Park area. Funding for summer programs will be contingent on participation in the mandatory training. Organizations can receive funding for a summer program grant and a SFOT grant or sponsorship throughout the year. This is the only way organizations can receive funds from the State Fair twice in one fiscal year. Please look out for additional information on this process.
- Organizations cannot receive funding for a grant and sponsorship in the same year, so determine if you will apply for a grant OR a sponsorship and complete the form for one, not both.
How to Apply for Funding
If you are interested in applying for funding, please complete the application for the appropriate funding category below. Make sure to complete the application in its entirety, including the attachments requested. Failure to do so may hinder our ability to make an informed decision.
Important Application Deadline Information
All applications must be submitted online by NOON ON DATE THEY ARE DUE to be considered for funding in that cycle. Any application not received by this deadline cannot be considered, and applicants will be asked to reapply in a different cycle. After all applications have been reviewed by our committee and a decision has been made; we will notify you with an email.
NOTE: Please do not contact us regarding funding notices or distribution. We will contact you if we have any questions on your application. Use the email address sfotgrants@bigtex.com to ask any questions regarding the grant application or sponsorship process.
Thank you for the great work you do in communities, we look forward to learning about it!
Grants
| Funds Utilized | Application Opens | Application Due Date | Reports Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – June | Friday, November 22 , 2019 | Friday, December 13, 2019 at noon. | Friday, December 4, 2020 |
| July – December | Monday, June 1, 2020 | Friday, June 12, 2020 at noon. | Friday, December 4, 2020 |
Remember, all applications are due by noon of the listed date.
During the grant application cycle from July-September, State Fair of Texas staff will not discuss anything related to funding to keep the process fair for all applicants. For any questions, please visit the FAQ section below for details.
Sponsorship
If you are seeking sponsorship for an event or opportunity, please apply for funding by clicking the link below.
| Funds Utilized | Application Opens | Application Due Date | Reports Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – June | Friday, November 22 , 2019 | Friday, December 13, 2019 at noon. | Friday, December 4, 2020 |
| July – December | Monday, June 1, 2020 | Friday, June 12, 2020 at noon. | Friday, December 4, 2020 |
During the grant application cycle from July-September, State Fair of Texas staff will not discuss anything related to funding to keep the process fair for all applicants. For any questions, please visit the FAQ section below for details.
Summer Program Funding
Each year the Fair funds summer programs, granting thousands of dollars to the local South Dallas community. We are currently in a two-year training and funding cohort with some, of the many, amazing summer programs that are making a positive impact in this community. As a result, only those previously funded programs for summer 2019 will be invited to apply for summer 2020. Fund disbursements are contingent upon their participation in the trainings.
| Funds Utilized | Application Opens | Application Due Date | Reports Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| May – August | Monday, February 24, 2020 | Friday, March 6, 2020 at noon. | Friday, December 4, 2020 |
Concessionaire Cohort for Fairs, Festivals and Expositions (CFFE)
Interested in applying for the Concessionaire Cohort for Fairs, Festivals and Expositions (CFFE)? Click on the button below for more information and to apply.
Apply for the CFFEFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GRANTS AND SPONSORSHIP
When are grant and sponsorship applications due?
We will accept applications for grants and sponsorships three times throughout the year.
When are summer program applications due?
We will accept applications for summer programs once throughout the year.
If I know what period in the year I will use funds when is the best time to send in an application?
You should submit the application in the period before you would like to use the funding.
How many times may I apply per year?
While you are welcome to submit an application at each cycle, an organization can only be awarded a grant/sponsorship by the SFOT once a year.
Can my organization apply for a grant/sponsorship and summer program funding?
Yes, applicants may apply for/receive funding for a summer program and a grant/sponsorship in the same fiscal year.
Are there additional requirements that my organization must meet before receiving summer program funding?
Recipients of summer funding must adhere to the additional outlined funding requirements such as participation in trainings. Funding is contingent upon the full participation of these opportunities, more details to be released soon.
I missed the deadline. Can my organization still apply?
All applications must be completed and emailed to sfotgrants@bigtex.com by noon on the days listed. Every application received will be time stamped. In order to maintain fairness, any application sent in after the cut off time will not be considered for that cycle.
Any additional questions or concerns should be sent to sfotgrants@bigtex.com.