Fairs > MATCHING FUNDS

Matching Funds Grant Program

Photo by Peter Kilby

The USTA will help fund your promotions program for the harness racing at your fair!

Started in 2006, the Matching Funds Grant Program awards money to county fairs and horsemen's associations to support a grassroots marketing initiatives at the fair level. Any advertising to promote the harness racing at your fair is eligible, including radio, newspaper, billboard, bus, gas station toppers, etc. as long as 75% of the ad is for harness racing.

The USTA also provides monetary assistance to purchase promotional items that are given away in the grandstands during your fair. Information about both programs (advertising and promotional items) are available in the MFG Application PDF below.

2024 MFG Application (PDF)

Applications are due by May 3, 2024.

Sample MFG Applications

Below are a some examples of a complete MFG Application to assist you in writing yours.
Visit the Racing Promotion Idea Center for more ideas.

• Sample 1 - TV Commercials
• Sample 2 - Print Ads
• Sample 3 - Lawn Signs
• Sample 4 - Billboards

MFG Final Report (PDF)

Final reports are due within 30 days of the last day of your fair.

Ineligible Expenses

The following is a list of ineligible expenses for the Matching Funds Grant:

• Racing expenses (such as purses, licenses, insurance, racing officials, programs, blankets or other trophies given to race winners, etc.)
• Track maintenance and capital improvements to barns and other buildings on the grounds
• Personnel costs, including reimbursement for time, travel, lodging and meal expenses

Advertising Guidelines

In order for placemats or newspaper, TV or radio ads to be considered as marketing expense, 75% of the ad must reflect harness racing. With your application, you must include draft verbiage and/or a print mock-up. With your final report, you must include one of the following:

• Written copy given to radio station
• CD or DVD of what was run
• Photos of billboard, bus ad, lawn sign, etc.
• Newspaper/magazine clipping

Previous Winners

View our list of grant recipients since 2006.