Smithfield is pleased to announce the return of the Smokin' With Smithfield Barbecue Grant Program for the 2018 season. The Grant Program is designed to support sanctioned barbecue competitions across the United States. Grants will be awarded to a variety of non-profit, community, and event organizers that are sanctioned by one of the sport's major sanctioning bodies and meet qualifications established by Smithfield. In 2017, Smithfield gave grants and marketing support to 35 barbecue competitions across the United States. In 2018, Smithfield will increase the number of grants awarded by 57%, awarding 55 Smithfield Grants to events across the country.
The Smithfield Grant Program is just one of the many ways Smithfield is investing in the sport of BBQ. Smithfield continues to invest heavily via partnerships with World Champion Pitmasters, sponsorship of major competitions, the Smokin' With Smithfield Committed Cooks Program, and the Smithfield Grant Program.
Smokin' With Smithfield Grants range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $4,500. With the goal of deepening the prize pool, and thus, helping event organizers attract more pitmaster competitors, the funds enable prize payouts to the Top 10 pitmasters in each category and the Top 10 pitmasters overall. Applications are currently being accepted for any sanctioned barbecue competition occurring in 2018. The deadline for application is October 25. For more information and to apply, please visit www.SmokinWithSmithfield.com