Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation

New Executive Director

Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation names James Fisher Executive Director
Fisher to play an integral role in building relationships to fulfill the mission of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation.

The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation recently named James Fisher as the organizations Executive Director. Fisher’s rich experience in nonprofit management, grant acquisition, and donor relations combined with his experience in agricultural make him a natural fit for this position.

“I am excited to have James join our organization as our first Executive Director for the KFF,” said Mary McCurry, KFF Executive Search Committee Chairperson. “James has a unique background in multiple facets of nonprofit management, agriculture, marketing, communications and foundation development. He brings an ability to grow organizations, create synergistic relationships, and a focus that will benefit the citizens of Kansas through the work of the Foundation.”

Fisher comes to the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation with a wealth of agricultural knowledge. He served as Area Coordinator for the American Polled Hereford Association for two years covering Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming, then joined the staff of the American Angus Association serving as the Director of Activities and Junior Activities for 18 years where he grew the organization’s junior membership and associated livestock shows, as well as the organizations educational and youth leadership programs. After leaving the Angus Association he served as Executive Director for a faith-based non-profit and then diversified his experience in sales, marketing and communications with Eagle Communications St Joseph, with corporate headquarters located in Hays. For the last three years Fisher served as the Chief Development Officer for Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region, an education based nonprofit serving tens of thousands of students throughout the Dallas region.

The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation will play a pivotal role in the success and execution of the Kansas State Fair Master Plan. The KFF provides a charitable arm where individuals, foundations, corporations, farms, ranches and organizations interested in the mission of the Kansas State Fair may provide funding sources to support and perpetuate the mission of the Kansas State Fair now and for future generations. As a fundraising arm the KFF is committed to helping the Kansas State Fair thrive as a place to Celebrate All Things Kansas and to ensure the Fair remains strong and resilient.

For more information on how you can support the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation please contact James Fisher at 816-262-1157 or KansasFairgroundsFoundation@gmail.com.

The Foundation and the Fair: Working to create unforgettable memories and traditions you only experience at the Kansas State Fair.

The Kansas State Fair's Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation helps thousands of State Fair fans like you show their support of the annual September event and Fairgrounds.

Created in 2003, the Foundation's mission is to beautify, improve and preserve the Kansas State Fair and Fairgrounds. As the Fair's fundraising arm, our board is committed to helping the Fair thrive as a place to "Celebrate All Things Kansas."

Our Projects

We Need Your Help!

Without a 2020 Kansas State Fair, we are facing unique and unparalleled challenges.

This is no different than every business and organization enduring this crisis. Our year-round, full-time staff remains committed to all that they can do to create the longstanding tradition and celebration in 2021 that Fair fans have come to expect.

But to do so, we need your help.

Many people don't realize that the Kansas State Fair doesn't receive state general fund dollars. It relies on the income it makes on gate admission, concert tickets, building rentals, food and beverage sales and vendor fees.

Also, it takes support from our great Fair fans to keep the Kansas State Fair vital.

That’s where the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation comes into play. The foundation, a 501c3, is dedicated to enriching the unforgettable moments and traditions you experience only at the Kansas State Fair. As the Fair's fundraising arm, the Foundation is committed to helping the Fair thrive as a place to "Celebrate All Things Kansas."

Your donation is always appreciated, but without the revenue generated during the 2020 Fair, your contribution this year is even more helpful. Your gift, large or small, will help secure the future of The Fair for generations to come. It will help us put on a Fair in 2021 — scheduled for Sept. 10-19.

Ways To Give

DONATE

LEGACY BENCH

BOOTS AND BLING

The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law. The non-profit tax ID number is 75-3129856.