2018 Grant Application Deadline Is May 7

April 12, 2018 — Lexington, KY — USA Equestrian Trust® announced today it has awarded more than $130,000 in grants to help fund equine-focused projects at 12 non-profits. The organizations receiving funding all submitted applications as part of the Trust’s 2017 application period. Since the inception of its grants program, the Trust has awarded nearly $2.1 million in grants.

The Trust is also pleased to announce it is now accepting proposals from IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations for its 2018 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 2018 grants program is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, May 7.

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.

The projects funded as part of the 2017 grants program were:

AMERICAN YOUTH HORSE COUNCIL ($5,000) to support its 2018 annual symposium that educates youth on all facets of the equine industry through demonstrations, presentations and discussions.

DRESSAGE4KIDS ($4,000) to support its 2018 Weekend Equestrian Program recently held in Connecticut. The educational event annually offers up to 60 presentations geared to people of all ages, disciplines and skill levels.

EQUINE ASSISTED TRANSITIONS ($8,000) to expand summer equine programs focused on members of the military and their families. Located near Fort Campbell, the organization has provided more than 400 individuals with an introduction to horses.

HOPE AND HEALING AT HILLENGLADE ($25,000) to expand its equine therapy programs for veterans, active military, and at-risk inner city women and children. The funding will help the organization finish facilities that will allow year-round work with up to 2,000 people.

OMAHA EQUESTRIAN FOUNDATION ($5,000) to fund educational workshops for riders, trainers and caregivers.

SACRAMENTO AREA HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION ($5,000) to offer a free training clinic to its members, who are entry-level exhibitors and low-budget owners. The money for this grant was allocated from funding reserved for Hunter/Jumper activities in California and Nevada.

SECOND CHANCE THOROUGHBREDS ($1,200) to support an educational clinic focused on retraining Thoroughbreds.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ($5,000) to support its equine science program. The program offers an introduction to horses to more than 500 elementary, middle and high school students annually.

THE LIVESTOCK CONSERVANCY ($10,500) to support its National Endangered Equine Summit that brought together leaders from around 50 associations representing endangered breeds.

UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION ($40,000) to support the 2018 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team.

UNITED STATES SPORT HORSE BREEDERS ASSOCIATION ($2,000) to fund an educational booth to display at major equestrian events.

WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY ($20,000) to support construction of the Center for Equine Medicine, which will house a fully equipped veterinary clinic, hospital-quality stalls, a small riding arena and a classroom with a teaching laboratory.

Funding available for USA Equestrian Trust grants includes around $30,000 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 grants available from this specific reserve.

If you have any questions about applying, please e-mail [email protected].

About USA Equestrian Trust
USA Equestrian Trust’s mission is to assist in preserving and/or enhancing the quality of equestrian sport in the United States of America. Its objects and purposes are exclusively charitable, educational and dedicated to the fostering of equestrian sports. The Trust is a private foundation pursuant to the United States Internal Revenue Code.

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