USA Equestrian Trust expands grant program assisting equine non-profits
Applications due May 7 for first round of 2012 grants
February 14, 2012 — Lexington, KY — USA Equestrian Trust is pleased to announce that IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations now have two opportunities to submit grants. Plan ahead now to submit your applications for financial grants to be funded in 2012.
The deadlines are May 7 and October 8 at 5 p.m. Eastern. The targeted date for notifying grant recipients is within 60 days of due date.
In 2011, the Trust’s board was pleased to grant nearly $200,000 to 10 applicants. Past recipients include those with programs focused on equine health research, land conservation and educational outreach. The Trust welcomes applications for need-based and means-tested worthy equine projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications.
Funding available for grants includes approximately $70,000 reserved for Hunter and Jumper non-profit programs and activities in California and Nevada. Applicants for this fund should make clear their intention to apply for funds available from this specific reserve.
Among the Trust’s 2011 grant recipients was the Morris Animal Foundation, which received a grant of $10,000 for researchers at the University of Massachusetts who are focusing on ways to treat equine laminitis. The grant was used to help develop more targeted therapeutic drugs that could slow and/or prevent laminar tissue damage in horses. Morris Animal Foundation CEO/President Dr. David Haworth had this to say after receiving a Trust grant. “Morris Animal Foundation is thankful for the continued support from USA Equestrian Trust," said CEO/President Dr. David Haworth. "It’s partnerships like this that help us work to give horses longer, healthier lives.”
Old Field Farm, Ltd., in Suffolk County, N.Y., received a grant of $22,000. With prudent spending and the assistance of numerous volunteers, the organization is using the funding to help preserve the Smythe Main Barn, an historic landmark used to enhance educational and cultural activities. “We are deeply grateful for this award and recognition as we expand and grow our programs while we preserve this historic equestrian Old Field Farm County Parkland,” commented Sally A. Lynch, Ph.D., President of Old Field Farm, Ltd.
For the past two years, the United States Equestrian Federation has been granted $5,000 for its Youth Career Workshop held during the organization’s annual convention. The workshop brings together youth from various breeds and gives them exposure to committees, governance and career opportunities. “These grants have been a tremendous aid in funding a positive program for the youth who are the future of this sport,” commented Jennifer Mellenkamp, USEF’s Director of National Affiliates.
It is grants like these that are the heart and soul of what USA Equestrian Trust is all about, and it is the vision of the organization to continue to give to as many worthy projects as possible.
“The board of USA Equestrian Trust felt it was crucial during this continued time of economic instability to expand our grants program to assist the many worthy equine non-profits in need of assistance. And while no charity can make grants to every deserving group, the Trust has significantly increased its giving since 2009 and hopes to continue to do so,” commented USA Equestrian Trust President Alan F. Balch.
The Trust has an easy online application process, which includes a review page on which non-profits can both proof and edit their applications before submitting. All applicants must submit a proposed budget for their projects as word processing documents. Applications cannot be submitted without one. If you have any questions about applying, please email grants@trusthorses.org.
All grant applications must be submitted online or postmarked no later than May 7 and October 8. No late applications will be considered.
Old Field Farm's Richard Haviland Smythe Main Barn is undergoing a renovation of its roof to preserve the historic structure that is the site of many equine educational and cultural activities. Photo courtesy Old Field Farm, Ltd.
Old Field Farm hosted a lecture on horse care by the Meadowbrook Hounds Pony Club during a Pony Club summer camp. Photo courtesy Old Field Farm, Ltd.
Sascha Mills receives the 2011 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award from USEF President David O'Connor. Photo courtesy USEF Archive/Geoff Bugbee.
USEF Youth Career Workshop attendees take an educational tour of the Old Friends Retirement Farm. Photo courtesy USEF staff.