irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2023
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $1.16MHorse, Cattle, Hog, and Farm Equipment shows. These shows are held in the Showplex. The shows have exhibits that showcase agricultural life in Western New York.
named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Farm2Table @ the Fair
Free field trip program providing agricultural education to students, serving 463 Buffalo Public School students in the reported year
Kids Cultivate
Program enabling young innovators to develop and pitch agriculture-related ideas
Opening Day Food Drive
Annual food drive that collected 164,384 pounds of food for FeedMore WNY in the most recent fair
Youth Livestock Auctions
Annual auctions that raise funds for youth participants and scholarships; raised $426,656 in the most recent fair
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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County and Regional Agricultural Fair Management 2 activities
- Hosts competitive events and exhibitions in agriculture and craftsOrganizes and hosts competitive events including Ag-Grange produce competitions, livestock expos, culinary arts contests (baking, charcuterie), woodcarving competitions, and environmental stewardship challenges to celebrate agricultural and artistic excellence in the community.
- Organizes and operates the Erie County FairHosts an annual 12-day Erie County Fair featuring competitive exhibits in agriculture, livestock, fine arts, conservation, and outdoor skills; provides free entertainment including music, motor events, food, and competitions; and offers accessibility services such as sensory-friendly hours, a Sensory Room, and tram services for visitors.
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Fundraising for Community and Charitable Initiatives 2 activities
- Provides scholarships and supports youth agricultural developmentAdministers Youth Livestock Auctions that raised $426,656 and awarded $105,000 in scholarships to 26 students pursuing careers in agriculture and related fields.
- Supports charitable fundraising and community food drivesFacilitates charitable fundraising by generating financial support for organizations including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Kids Escaping Drugs, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; conducts food drives during the Fair, collecting $164,384 in food donations, and partners with FeedMore WNY to provide free admission in exchange for canned food donations.
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Memorial and Veteran Honor Services 1 activity
- Offers special recognition and discounted access for first responders and militaryProvides free admission and $10 vouchers for food or rides to firefighters and auxiliary members on Firefighters Day, hosts a daily Firefighter Honoree Ceremony, and honors veterans and active military with free admission, vouchers, and a daily flag retreat ceremony during the Fair.
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Agricultural Training and Education Programs 1 activity
- Provides agricultural education and youth engagement programsOffers hands-on agricultural learning experiences for children through initiatives like Farm2Table @ the Fair and the ECF Tater Truck; supports youth development by providing platforms for 4-H and FFA members to exhibit projects and leadership; and hosts the Kids Cultivate youth pitch competition for ages 5–21 to promote agricultural innovation.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Manages fair operations and visitor servicesProvides essential visitor services including hand washing stations, tram transportation, ATMs, and rental services for wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters; distributes printed visitor guides with maps at entrance gates and guest services; and manages ticketing policies including notifications and alternatives for cancellations or rescheduling.
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financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$11.73M
Contributions & grants$45K0%
Program service revenue$10.10M86%
Investment income$601K5%
Other revenue$988K
expenses
Total expenses$12.10M
Program expenses84%
Admin / overhead17%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$3.13M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineOther
balance sheet
Total assets$56.20M
Cash$10.76M
Investments$7.28M
Liabilities$8.12M
Net assets$48.08M
Liquid reserves17.9 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2023 · YoY revenue +2.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Bolas | General CounselCFO | 30 | $253K |
| Jessica L Underberg | CEO | 45 | $246K |
board members · 11
- Charles F Kelkenberg — Director
- James Brass — Vice Chair Elect
- Jeff M Werdein — Chairman of Board - Director
- John H Leamer — Director
- Karen Schmitz — Director
- Kay L Leitzan — Director
- Ronald A Geitter — Director
- Tama J Gresco-Sauers — Secretary
- Tara Woyton — Director
- Thomas Waring Jr — Treasurer
- Wesley C Dust — Director
relationships · 24
Who they work with
- 4-H Partner — Collaborates with 4-H to showcase youth agricultural projects.
- ACE Flags Partner — Sponsored the Daily Flag Retreat Ceremony at the Erie County Fair.
- Budweiser Partner — Sponsored the Daily Firefighter Honoree Ceremony at the Erie County Fair.
- FFA Partner — Collaborates with FFA to showcase youth agricultural projects.
- FeedMore WNY Partner — Collaborates to collect food donations through the Opening Day Food Drive at the Erie County Fair.
- FeedMore WNY Partner — Partner organization receiving food donations from the Opening Day Food Drive.
- FeedMore WNY Partner — Receives canned food donations collected in exchange for free admission during Opening Day.
- Ford Buffalo Stamping Plant Partner — Sponsored Veterans Day at the Erie County Fair.
- Friends of the Fair Partner — Volunteer organization supporting operations at the Erie County Fair.
- Kids Escaping Drugs Partner — Recipient organization of funds raised through media partnerships during the Fair.
- Mattress Firm Partner — Provided equipment and materials for the Sensory Room and sponsored Firefighters Day and Veterans Day at the Erie County Fair.
- Pepsi Partner — Sponsored the Erie County Fair All-Star Band performance for Fair Bear's Birthday.
- Prevention Focus Partner — Recipient organization of funds raised through media partnerships during the Fair.
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Partner — Recipient organization of funds raised through media partnerships during the Fair.
- Saffire Partner — Technology partner providing website development and digital services.
- SaffireTix Partner — Exclusive ticket sales vendor for the Erie County Agricultural Society.
- Scootaround Inc. Partner — Provides wheelchair, stroller, wagon, and electric scooter rentals at the Erie County Fair.
- Shanor Electric Supplies; a division of NOCO Partner — Provided equipment and materials for the Sensory Room at the Erie County Fair.
- Southtowns Audio Video Partner — Provided equipment and materials for the Sensory Room at the Erie County Fair.
- Variety Kids Partner — Recipient organization of funds raised through media partnerships during the Fair.
- WALSH Partner — Sponsored Firefighters Day at the Erie County Fair.
- WNY Woodturners Partner — Partner organization raising funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation during the Fair.
- Yuengling Partner — Sponsored the Daily Flag Retreat Ceremony at the Erie County Fair.
- select vendors Partner — Collaborates with select food and retail vendors to offer discounted items and special promotions during the Erie County Fair.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Agricultural Education Through Exhibitionmethodology: agricultural-education-through-exhibitionBy showcasing regional agricultural practices, crafts, and animal care through competitive exhibitions, we increase public knowledge and preserve local heritage, because experiential learning and public recognition motivate participation and intergenerational engagement.
- Sensory-Inclusive Programmingmethodology: sensory-inclusive programmingBy modifying sensory inputs such as sound and lighting during designated times, we increase accessibility for neurodiverse individuals and those with sensory sensitivities, because reducing environmental overwhelm enables broader participation and inclusion in community events.
- Youth Engagement Through Competition and Incentivesmethodology: youth-engagement-through-competition-and-incentivesBy involving youth in competitive agricultural programs, innovation pitches, and scholarship-linked auctions, we foster long-term involvement in farming and rural life, because recognition, financial incentives, and entrepreneurial opportunity increase motivation and skill development.