USA Equestrian Trust opens 2017 grants program for equine non-profits
Applications due Monday, May 1
March 7, 2017 — Lexington, KY — USA Equestrian Trust is pleased to announce it is now accepting proposals from IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations for its 2017 grants program.
To submit an application, visit trusthorses.org and complete the online form. Any organization applying must submit copies of its IRS non-profit determination letter and most recent Form 990, as well as a proposed budget for its project. The deadline to submit applications for the foundation’s 2017 grants program is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, May 1.
The Trust’s financial support has been dedicated largely but not exclusively for initiatives that are productive across several national-level discipline and/or breed boundaries. The Trust welcomes applications for need-based projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications. Among the past recipients of Trust funding are:
AMERICAN MORGAN HORSE EDUCATIONAL CHARITABLE TRUST: $7,500 was awarded in 2014 to develop an online home school module that teaches courses through horsemanship. “Everyone agrees that the best way to foster a love for learning is to engage our youth in topics they love,” said Executive Director Carrie J. Mortensen. “This project would have been impossible for us to achieve without the generous grant received from USA Equestrian Trust. We are so grateful the Trust saw the value in this endeavor, which is bringing such joy to the education of so many students.”
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF EQUINE PRACTITIONERS FOUNDATION: $15,000 was awarded in 2016 to support the Equine Disease Communication Center, which alerts the industry to outbreaks of disease in an effort to prevent their spread. Horse owners can sign up on the organization’s website to receive outbreak alerts. The Center also serves as an educational resource on infectious diseases affecting horses. “The EDCC would not be possible without financial support from the horse industry,” said Dr. Nathaniel A. White, the Center’s director. “We appreciate the generous grant from USA Equestrian Trust.”
GIRL SCOUTS WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA: $10,000 was awarded in 2016 to support the organization’s popular equestrian program at Camp Skymeadow outside of Pittsburgh. The number of girls attending the equestrian program has doubled over the last two years to nearly 450. “Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania’s equestrian programs provide girls with much more than a fun time,” said spokeswoman Lisa Shade. “The experiences help girls build confidence, hone problem-solving skills and can inspire an appreciation for nature. The support of USA Equestrian Trust has helped provide meaningful horse programs that progress in skill and adventure for girls of all riding levels to enjoy.”
Funding available for USA Equestrian Trust grants includes $36,500 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 grants available from this specific reserve.
If you have any questions about applying, please email grants@trusthorses.org.
Girl Scout Juniors prepare for equestrian activities at Camp Skymeadow outside Pittsburgh. Photo by Lisa Shade, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania.
A Girl Scout Junior rides as part of the rapidly growing equestrian program at Camp Skymeadow outside Pittsburgh. Photo by Lisa Shade, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania.