Ag Days Gives Back is set to pass the half-million-dollar mark this year, when the latest round of recipients is announced at Manitoba Ag Days 2026.
Since launching in 2013, the program has committed $536,377.50 toward strengthening agricultural communities.
The community investment grants are intended to support rural communities and their citizens, who in turn support the show.
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WHY IT MATTERS: Local investment from Ag Days Gives Back delivers essential funding for projects, equipment and scholarships that strengthen rural communities.
Applications for community grants, the AED cost-share program and post-secondary scholarships closed Nov. 1, and the program continues to grow as a significant source of grassroots support across Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
At the 2025 show alone, Ag Days Gives Back awarded $55,000 in funding, including 16 community grants, three post-secondary scholarships and support for Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba.
Past recipients have used funds for projects ranging from thermal imaging drones and grain safe training to communications devices and rescue basket stretchers. Some projects have addressed fundamental community needs, such as funding a well and pump system for a fire department in one rural community and to support a local food non-profit.
“A fire department needs water in order to operate, and these funds made that possible,” said Teresa Hildebrand, Ag Days media co-ordinator.
Fire response
This year’s applications were focused on community fire departments for the $2,000 community grants, which can be used for infrastructure, supplies, equipment, volunteer support or training, as long as the total project cost does not exceed $50,000.
“We had a great mix of requests for support with both equipment and training,” Hildebrand said.
Eligibility has varied over the program’s history, according to Hannah Minshull, an Ag Days board member.
“We have been specific in some years, depending on what our theme was and where we would like to dial in our support,” Minshull said during an interview in January 2025.
To encourage broad participation, priority goes to communities or projects that have not received funding in the past three years.
“We are looking to impact as many communities as possible across Manitoba and southeast Saskatchewan,” Hildebrand said.
Community health and education
This year’s program AED cost-share opportunity has 10 community groups set to receive two-thirds funding toward the purchase of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
“We know that AEDs are found in more and more places and we want to continue to expand the access,” Hildebrand said. “Perhaps a community has a large gathering place that has one AED but might benefit from having two at different ends of the facility. We want to encourage a degree of saturation so that AEDs are not only available but readily accessible.”
The first AEDs from the program will be distributed at the 2026 show.
Post-secondary scholarships of $2,000 are also available to students completing high school or already enrolled in agricultural programs, with all ag-related degree, diploma, certificate and trades programs eligible. In recent years, the program has expanded eligibility to reflect changing career pathways in agriculture.
“Not only are we seeing applicants seeking a degree, but also those pursuing diplomas and hands-on training courses,” Hildebrand said.
Powered by the 50/50
The program is entirely funded by Manitoba Ag Days’ annual 50/50 draw, which continues to grow in popularity among show visitors.
The 50/50 also allows Ag Days to pool its resources to make a bigger impact across the province and through ag education.
“There really is a ripple effect through this program,” said Sharon Finlay, chair of the Ag Days Gives Back committee.
