GALE Grant

APPLICATIONS OPEN: February 1 - March 2, 2026

The Benton Franklin Fair has a proud tradition of celebrating our region’s agricultural excellence. A key part of this mission is fostering youth involvement in the livestock industry. With that goal in mind, we are excited to announce the 3^rd annual Benton Franklin Fair GALE (Growing Agriculture Leaders and Educators) Grants.

The GALE Grant will award four $1,100 grants to first-time large animal exhibitors (beef, sheep, dairy cattle, goats, horses, or swine) at the 2026 Benton Franklin Fair. Grant funds will be disbursed upon the completion of participation requirements and submission of all required documentation.

We’re thrilled to provide this opportunity to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders and educators. Don’t miss your chance to apply!

Applications are open February 1 - March 2, 2026.

Grant eligibility and participant guidelines:

Residency: Be a Benton or Franklin County resident, or reside in the Burbank School District, and be between the ages of 8 and 18 as of the first day of the Fair.
First-time exhibitor: Have no prior experience exhibiting livestock at the Benton Franklin Fair.
Family applications: If multiple siblings apply, only one grant may be awarded per family.
Complete the online application.
Recommendation letter: Submit a letter of recommendation from a trusted source (e.g., 4-H leader, FFA advisor, teacher) that speaks to the applicant’s character and commitment.
Grant code of conduct: Sign and adhere to the code of conduct upon selection.
Project reports: Submit four monthly progress reports prior to the Fair, including a photo and brief summary of their work with the livestock.
Fair participation: Exhibit their livestock project in the 4-H/FFA/Grange show at the Benton Franklin Fair (August 25-29, 2026). Failure to participate will result in forfeiture of the grant.
Final report: Provide a recap of their Fair experience, including three photos with their livestock and a summary of what was learned.
Acknowledgments: Write thank-you notes to the Benton Franklin Fair Board of Directors and the grant funder.
Reception attendance: Attend the grant winners’ reception during the Fair or other required appearances.

GALE Grant Application 2026

Eligibility:

I am a Benton, Franklin or Burbank School District resident
I am between the ages of 8 and 18 as of the first day of the Benton Franklin Fair.
I have not previously exhibited at the Benton Franklin Fair
I commit to participating in the youth (4-H, FFA or Grange) show of my preferred species during the Benton Franklin Fair.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Sign up for email updates from Benton Franklin Fair Association

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Postal Code

Phone Number

Birthdate

(day, month, year)

County

Parent's name

(if applicant is under the age of 18)

What species would you like to exhibit at the Benton Franklin Fair?

Please give us a brief overview of your experience exhibiting livestock.

(4-H, FFA, county fairs, jackpot shows, etc.)

What are your goals for your livestock project?

What do you hope to learn from exhibiting at the Benton Franklin Fair?

Why do you believe livestock shows are important to agriculture?

Upload your letter of recommendation here

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I have read the GALE participant guidelines above and understand I must submit the required materials prior to receiving the grant.

Click here to indicate that you have read and agree to the terms
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I hereby acknowledge that the Benton Franklin Fair may use the applicant’s name and photo in promotional materials (including, but not limited to, social media, news releases and web site posts) if the applicant is awarded a grant as a result of this application.

Click here to indicate that you agree
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