FREEPORT — Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America, the Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program, is supporting county fairs with grants to improve facilities and experiences offered to rural communities across the Upper Midwest. 64 fairs received County Fair Facility Upgrade Grants this year, totaling $244,500, including Stephenson County Fair.

“Our aim with these grants is to positively impact the future of our rural communities,” said Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial. “Fairs are the highlight of summer for many of these communities and we hope this will help provide the best possible experience for exhibitors and visitors as they enjoy this important tradition.”

In spring and summer of 2022, Stephenson County Fair has spent over $20,000 in their Dairy Barns. The $3,000 grant from Compeer is a great help to us as we continue to invest back into our livestock barns.

About the Fund for Rural America 

The Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America is the corporate giving program of Compeer Financial, structured to support Compeer Financial’s mission to enrich agriculture and rural America. Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors has dedicated one percent of annual net earnings to support the Fund’s focus areas of agricultural advocacy and development, agriculture education, cooperative initiatives, rural development and community enrichment; and youth engagement. 

The Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees, made up of team members from Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin and members of the Compeer Financial Board of Directors. More information about opportunities available through the Fund can be found at Compeer.com/giving-back.