Eastern States Exposition (ESE) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that grows by the support of its guests and surrounding populace. In turn, ESE is proud to give back to the community that keeps its mission alive by supporting similar causes in the name of education, agriculture, as well as community betterment.
Since 1916, ESE has remained true to the vision of its founder, Joshua Brooks, celebrating agriculture, mentoring young people and preserving New England’s history and tradition. If you are a representative from a fellow not-for-profit organization seeking support for an upcoming event or endeavor that echoes these beliefs, assess the following criteria and send an application through the request form below.
- Your organization must retain IRS-designated not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status.
- Your organization must service your designated cause within one of the six New England states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire), with priority for immediate surrounding community of Greater Springfield.
- Your application must include supporting documents about your event or goal (i.e. advertising materials, budgeting, location, date, time and other sponsors, if applicable).
- Your application must include a mission statement for your organization.
- Your organization must have been ratified more than one (1) year since the date of your application submission.
- If you are seeking funding on behalf of a for-profit entity or individual reasons, this application is not conducive to your cause.
- Your organization/event will be prioritized should it fall under one or more of the following tenets of our founding mission:
- Agriculture
- Creative Arts
- Education
If your organization, team, event, group, etc. is based in West Springfield, Mass., you should apply for funding through the ESE-West Springfield Trust directly through the town. Further details can be found at TownofWestSpringfield.org.
ESE receives numerous applications annually. As we review your request, we may request additional information about your initiative. Please be sure that your point of contact is prepared to respond to any follow-up correspondence. ESE reserves the right to decline any requests that do not align with its mission. If your application is declined, regrets might not be sent.