Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show

The Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, more commonly known as the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, is a charitable, scientific, and educational nonprofit organization located in Fort Worth, Texas. It has been in operation since 1896, making it one of the oldest continuously running livestock shows and rodeos in the United States.

Mission

The primary mission of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show is to encourage agricultural pursuits by promoting the breeding, raising, and marketing of livestock and farm products through public exhibitions. It supports research and educational endeavors within the livestock industry and focuses on educating youths in Fort Worth and surrounding areas.

Operations

The organization hosts annual events, including world-class stock shows, competitions, exhibitions, and rodeos held primarily at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. The event lasts 23 days and features over 22,000 head of livestock and extensive commercial exhibits, drawing visitors from across the U.S. and internationally. It includes a carnival, live music, and entertainment options, offering a significant economic boost to the local community with an estimated annual impact of more than $100 million.

Educational and Charitable Activities

The Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show is renowned for its contributions to education and charitable causes. It provides substantial grants and scholarships annually to support the future leaders in agriculture and livestock management. This support has enabled the organization to foster growth and development in related fields while offering opportunities for youths to engage in educational and vocational activities.

Recognition and Awards

The organization has received numerous recognitions for its contributions. It was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2008, the Texas Trail of Fame in 2015, and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2019.

Financial Overview

As a 501(c)(3) entity, donations to the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show are tax-deductible. The organization's revenue primarily comes from program services, with significant contributions to educational institutions and community development projects. It maintains a strong financial health and accountability structure, which is reflected in its high ratings from charity evaluation agencies.

[1] https://givefreely.com/charity-directory/nonprofit/ein-750575065/ [2] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/75-0575065 [3] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/750575065 [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Worth_Stock_Show_&_Rodeo [5] https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/southwestern-exposition-and-livestock-show