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Not-for-Profit Entities That Serve Special Needs Populations, Low-income Groups, and Underserved Areas are Encouraged to Apply
The Great New York State Fair is looking to partner with local not-for-profits to help to make the end of summer a little sweeter for families in need within our community. The Fair is now accepting applications for its Fair Cares Program from not-for-profit organizations to provide underserved members of the community a day at The Fair.
Since its inception in 2014, Fair Cares, formerly Adopt a Family, has helped more than 2,500 families enjoy a fun-filled day by providing vouchers for free Fair admission, free parking, and free food for families who otherwise would not be able to afford a visit to The Fair.
All not-for-profit 501(c)(3), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organizations who serve special needs populations, low-income groups, and underserved areas are eligible to apply. Applicants will need to demonstrate established criteria (provided below) and answer all questions within the application, which is available by clicking here. The form is also accessible on The Fair’s sponsorship page on its website. If selected, the not-for-profit group(s) will receive packets containing the following items:
- (1) 2025 New York State Fair admission pass (NOTE: Admission is free for Children 12 years old and under and senior citizens 65 years old and older)
- (1) Fairgrounds parking pass, if needed
- (1) Full Catered Lunch
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24 and will be reviewed by a committee. The following criteria will be considered:
- Mission statement, by-laws, constitution, or similar documentation that demonstrates how the applicant supports the intended recipients of the Fair Cares packets.
- Strength and feasibility of applicant’s plan to select and distribute Fair Cares packets to families in the intended populations.
- Completeness of application with all required documents.
All applicants will be contacted formally with a decision by July 1. The number of packets given to agencies will be determined by the Selection Committee and is based on available funding, the total number of packets available, and the number of selected applicants.
The selected not-for-profit organizations will receive their packets for distribution to their clients no later than Wednesday, August 13. Awarded applicants must have their group attend the Fair on a pre-scheduled date that will be agreed upon with Fair management. In addition, all attendees of the group will provide their own transportation to the Fair on that date.
Applicants with questions are encouraged to reach out to Todd Dupell (Todd.Dupell@agriculture.ny.gov) and Erica Dowdall (Erica.Dowdall@agriculture.ny.gov) , who manage the Sponsorship Department at The Fair, including oversight of the Fair Cares Program.
“Working to find new and meaningful ways to ensure The Fair is accessible to as many families as possible has always been one of our top priorities,” said Julie LaFave, Fair Director. “Fair Cares has been an instrumental resource in helping share the beloved, lasting memories that are formed here at the Fair with New York families of all kinds. We continue to be touched by the hundreds of Thank You notes and testimonials our Sponsorship Team has received from families who have benefited from this incredible program, and encourage not-for-profit organizations to apply to help the people that they serve have a fun day at The Fair!”
The Fair Cares Program is made possible through a partnership with the New York State 529 College Savings Program, the New York State Department of Health, and Fidelis Care and WellCare by Fidelis Care.
The Great New York State Fair begins on August 20 and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 1.
Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.
The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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