Through our community donations, the State Fair of Texas is focused on supporting the local South Dallas/Fair Park community in four areas: Education (primarily high schools in the Fair Park area), Capacity Building of Nonprofits, Economic Development, and Social & Racial Justice. As a neighbor in this community, we are committed to supporting organizations that are providing services in this area.
Information on funding
Below is information on our grant cycle for 2021. Stay informed of our funding cycle by signing up here to join our email list and bookmark this page to watch for updates:
Our funding cycle will resume this Fall beginning August 30, 2021, through September 17, 2021.
- The State Fair of Texas will offer grant and sponsorship opportunities beginning August 30, 2021, through September 17, 2021. We will not accept applications or disburse funds outside of our posted grant cycles.
- 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.
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Fair of Texas will only have one funding cycle and therefore funding for summer programming will resume in 2022.
- 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 about 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
The State Fair of Texas supports the following:
Economic Development
Capacity Building for Nonprofits
Educational Programming
Social & Racial Justice
We support initiatives that are working in the aforementioned areas in 75210, 75215, 75223, and 75228 with some limited support for work in the Southern Sector of Dallas that impacts residents in the South Dallas/Fair Park neighborhood.
Organizations who fall under Social & Racial Justice are those whose mission include one of the following attributes:
- Programs that focus on education to cultivate anti-racism.
- Community organizing and movement building.
- Creative community engagement to promote equity, access, participation, and rights, including through the arts.
- Programs that foster and build leadership for people of color within nonprofit organizations.
Important for all applicants: Collaboration is essential. Please ensure that you are working with organizations and entities in our area. Applications that do not demonstrate existing relationships with local entities are not favorably reviewed.
Grant Cycle Schedule and Deadlines
Grant reports that are due for all 2021 funding must be received by June 10, no later than noon to be considered for any additional funding.
Remember, all applications are due by noon of the listed date.
During the grant application cycle, 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.
Sponsorship/Grant reports that are due for all 2021 funding must be received by June 10, no later than noon to be considered for any additional funding. During the grant application cycle, State Fair of Texas staff will not discuss anything related to funding to keep the process equitable for all applicants. For any questions, please visit the FAQ section below for details.
Summer Program Funding
Organizations in South Dallas/Fair Park that applied for 2020 and participated in the 2-year summer programs training and funding cohort will be notified when grant opportunities are available for 2022. 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 is still contingent on participation in the mandatory training offered. When funding is available for summer programs in the future, organizations can receive both funding for a summer program grant and a State Fair of Texas 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.
Concessionaire Cohort for Fairs, Festivals and Expositions (CFFE)
Interested in applying for the Concessionaire Cohort for Fairs, Festivals and Expositions (CFFE) for 2022? 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 usually accept applications for grants and sponsorships three times throughout the year. In 2021, there is only one grant cycle.
When are summer program applications due?
We will accept applications for summer programs once throughout the year beginning Spring 2022.
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 prior to your program’s start.
How many times may I apply per year?
While you are welcome to submit an application during 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 online 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.