Fundraising Opportunities

The Minnesota State Fair offers a great way for your team, organization or community group to team-build while raising funds! Check back often as more information will soon be available and more links will be activated with 2024 information.

Fundraising for a small nonprofit bully breed rescue has always been a struggle for us. When we found this fundraising opportunity, we were thrilled… a little intimidated at first, but we quickly learned what we needed to do and realized it was so worth it! The barn staff and machine drivers were all amazing and helped us quickly learn the ropes. 

Beth Paris, Founder & Director of 4 Pits Sake Rescue (pictured)

Fundraising Information

If your group is interested, pleases submit a copy of

• Opportunities available include working on fairgrounds clean-up teams, in the Coliseum, barns, Grandstand or with our Parking and Park & Ride services.
• No prior experience is needed, we provide training, equipment and supplies to do the work.
• Group members can work alongside friends or teammates.
• You can enjoy the fair before or after the shift! Select fundraising groups will receive fair admission tickets for group members to use the day they work (not applicable for all positions).
• Depending on group availability and open opportunities, groups can work half of a day, a full day, several days or all 12 days of the fair. We will work with your group to find a good fit!

Participation Requirements

• Workers must be at least 16 years old.
• Group minimum is 10 members, and may vary depending on the job.  More opportunities are available for groups larger than 25.
• Groups are required to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Groups are responsible for their own transportation and parking at the fair. (Utilize our free Park & Ride system!)
• Organizations will receive payment only for shifts completed in full.

Fundraising Opportunities

Sanitation – Fair-Time

• Time: 12-hour shift from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., shifts available all 12 days of the fair
• Duties: Pull trash bags out of trash and recycling receptacles, pick up trash off the grounds
• Compensation: Group size determines the size of the area, which equals compensation. General compensation for 12-hour shifts:
  • $1,000* – 10+ group members
  • $2,000* – 20+ group members
  • $3,000* – 30+ group members
  • $4,000* – 40+ group members
  • $5,000* – 50+ group members
  • $6,000* – 60 + group members
• Groups can create their own schedule within the 12-hour shift (for instance, dividing the 12 hours into shorter shifts among more people), but the number of group members agreed to in the contract must be on site at all times during the 12-hour shift
• Must have adult leadership supervision during all hours of the shift. One check (no withholdings) is made payable to the name on the W-9 form submitted along with the volunteer agreement.
• Download PDF

Park and Ride – Fair-Time

• Time: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. (times vary)
  • 4-day minimum commitment required
  • Minimum of 5 to 10 participants per day and shift (depends on lot size)
• Duties: Work in one of our Park & Ride lots located around the metro area directing cars to parking spaces, complete daily sign-in sheets
• Compensation: range is $1,450* – $9,180*
  • 5 people, 8 hours, 4 days and 5 people, 17 hours, 12 days, respectively
• Must have adult leadership supervision during all hours of the shift. One check (no withholdings) is made payable to the name on the W-9 form submitted along with the volunteer agreement.
• Download PDF

Parking – Fair-Time

• Time: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • A 4-day minimum commitment is preferred
  • Minimum of 5 to 7 participants per day and shift (depends on lot size)
• Duties: Work in one of the various lots around the fairgrounds directing cars to parking areas, complete daily sign-in sheets
• Compensation:
  • 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., 4 days (5 participants) = $1,100*
  • 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4 days, (7 participants) = $2,000*
• Must have adult leadership supervision during all hours of the shift. One check (no withholdings) is made payable to the name on the W-9 form submitted along with the volunteer agreement.
• Download PDF

Barn Changeover – Fair-Time

• Time: shifts go from start time until completion, generally taking five to six hours. Depending on your group, this timeframe may be shorter.
• Duties: Trash pick up, stall setup and tear down, general stall clean out and other sanitation duties as assigned
• Compensation: $1,500 to $4,000*, 20-50 group members needed
• Groups will be designated to specific buildings. Opportunities listed vary, and include options to work with swine, horse, cattle, sheep or poultry.
• Download Barns Changeover PDF

*Please note: Actual dollar amounts listed above may vary.  Actual compensation is based on the number of people and hours, as well as the type of position and size of the area assigned.

Contact and Registration Information

If your group is interested, pleases submit a copy of your completed registration form to fundraising@mnstatefair.org. You can reach out via email or by phone at 651-288-4303 with any questions. If the information listed does not work within your availability, please reach out. We are always happy to work with your group to find a good fit!