The Great New York State Fair is looking to partner with local not-for-profits to help in finding a new home for donated prizes and stuffed animals that will be won at The Fair this summer. The Fair is now accepting applications for its inaugural Reprize-A-Prize Program, which provides fairgoers with an opportunity to donate prizes and stuffed animals won throughout the grounds and on the midway to not-for-profit organizations that serve families, children, and underserved members of the community.
All not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that serve special needs populations, low-income groups, and underserved areas are eligible to apply. Applicants will need to demonstrate established criteria (provided below) and answer all questions within the application, which is available by visiting The Great New York State Fair’s website. If selected, the not-for-profit group(s) will receive prizes, toys, and stuffed animals donated during The Fair’s 13-day run and will work with Fair staff to coordinate delivery.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31 and will be reviewed by a committee. The following criteria will be considered:
- Mission statement, by-laws, constitution, or similar documentation that demonstrates how the applicant supports the intended recipients of any Reprize-A-Prize donations.
- Strength and feasibility of the applicant’s plan to select and distribute Reprize-A-Prize donations to families in the intended populations.
- Completeness of application with all required documents.
The selected not-for-profit organization(s) will receive notification of their selection no later than Wednesday, August 14. All applicants will be contacted formally with a decision.
Applicants with questions regarding the Reprize-A-Prize program are encouraged to email [email protected].
“The Great New York State Fair is always looking for ways to engage with the community and we’re excited to unveil the Reprize-A-Prize program as a way to repurpose prizes, toys, and stuffed animals for fairgoers to donate rather than bring home,” said Interim Fair Director, Julie LaFave. “New Yorkers are known for their incredible generosity. It is our hope that the Reprize-A-Prize program will bring happiness and comfort to children, families, and underserved members of our community who may not have access to items that many take for granted like stuffed animals. If you win something during your visit to The Fair and think it’ll do nothing more than sit on a shelf or in a closet, consider the positive impact it could have on someone else and donate it back!”
The Great New York State Fair begins on August 21 and continues through Labor Day, September 2.
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