You Make THE Difference: Strengthening the Future of Minnesota Fairs
The Minnesota Federation of County Fairs (MFCF) is proud to announce that our state has been awarded a grant to bring the You Make THE Difference National Initiative to Minnesota. This groundbreaking program will officially launch at the 2026 MFCF Convention, equipping fair boards and volunteers across the state with powerful tools, training, and inspiration to meet the challenges facing fairs today.
What is You Make THE Difference?
At its heart, You Make THE Difference is about people. Created and led by award-winning humanitarian Ian Hill, the initiative exists because rural communities and fairs are facing real headwinds: aging leadership, fewer volunteers, and increasing demands with limited resources. Hill believes the future of fairs—and the communities they serve—rests not in distant institutions, but in everyday people who roll up their sleeves and say yes when their towns need them most.
The program provides practical strategies to recruit and inspire volunteers, strengthen leadership, and build long-term sustainability. It combines high-energy, face-to-face sessions with an innovative digital follow-up system that keeps support and resources flowing long after the workshop ends.
What the Grant Provides
Thanks to this grant, Minnesota will receive the full benefits of the You Make THE Difference program at no cost to MFCF or our member fairs. The grant includes:
- A statewide training tour that will bring in-person workshops directly to fair boards across Minnesota.
- Access to a digital training platform and mobile app with videos, guides, and on-demand tools for ongoing support.
- Featured training sessions at the 2026 MFCF Convention, delivered by Ian Hill himself.
This blended approach ensures fairs receive immediate, hands-on training and long-term reinforcement to sustain new practices and ideas.
Why It Matters for Minnesota
Fairs in Minnesota are more than events. They are vital community institutions—part of the cultural fabric of our state—that showcase agriculture, provide opportunities for youth, and bring generations together. Yet many fairs are facing challenges in volunteer recruitment, financial pressures, and leadership fatigue.
The You Make THE Difference initiative is designed to meet these needs head-on. By equipping local boards with practical tools and ongoing support, the program helps ensure fairs remain strong, resilient, and relevant for decades to come. This isn’t just about sustaining fairs—it’s about empowering the people who make them possible.
Looking Ahead
The official kickoff at the 2026 MFCF Convention is just the beginning. From there, the statewide training tour and digital tools will help every fair board strengthen leadership, inspire volunteers, and create lasting community impact.
Minnesota has a proud tradition of fairs, and this grant is an investment in their future. Together, with You Make THE Difference, we can honor that tradition while building the capacity to thrive in the 21st century.
To learn more, visit www.youmakethedifference.com.