The Benton Franklin Fair has a long history of showcasing the best of our region’s agriculture. An important part of that mission is to cultivate youth experiences in the livestock industry. Through an endowment, we are proud to announce the BENTON FRANKLIN FAIR GALE GRANT. The GALE (Growing Agriculture Leaders and Educators) Grant will provide two $1,100 grants to large animal exhibitors (beef, sheep, dairy cattle, goats, horse or swine) and two $250 grants to small animal exhibitors (poultry, rabbits, pocket pets) who commit to participation as a first-time livestock exhibitor at the Benton Franklin Fair in 2024. Grant funds will be provided when participation in the Fair is complete, and the recipient has provided all required documentation.

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must:

• Complete the online application.
• Be a Benton or Franklin county resident (or live in the Burbank School District) between the ages of 8 and 18 as of the first day of the Fair who has not previously exhibited livestock at the Benton Franklin Fair.
• Submit one letter of recommendation from a trusted source regarding the youth’s character and commitment to see projects through. (4-H leader, FFA advisor, teacher, etc.)
• Participate in the 4-H/FFA/Grange show with their livestock project during the Benton Franklin Fair August 20-24, 2024. If the youth does not show at the Fair, the grant will be forfeited.
• Sign the grant code of conduct upon being selected for the program.
• Submit only one grant application (large or small animal). If multiple children from the same family apply, the Fair may award one grant to the entire family.
• Submit four monthly project reports leading up to the Fair. The reports will include a photo of the youth and their livestock and a brief statement.
• Submit an overall recap of the experience of exhibiting at the Fair, to include three photos of the youth and their livestock at the Fair and a statement about what was learned from the experience.
• Write thank-you notes to the Benton Franklin Fair Board of Directors and the grant funder.
• Attend a reception for grant winners during the Fair.