The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. Grants

Due to the volume of applications we receive, multi-year requests and grants for capital campaigns will be considered after annual requests.
Grant requests that exceed 10% of the organization’s operating budget are discouraged; most awards represent less than 3% of the organization’s budget and average $5,000 or less.

Grants will not be awarded to:

1) Organizations that have been in existence for less than one full operating year;

2) Organizations that propagate a religious faith or restricted to one religion or denomination;

3) Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, disability, handicap, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law;

4) Political organizations; or

5) Individuals.

Grants will not be awarded for:

1) Operating Deficits;

2) Fundraising activities, such as galas, benefits, dinners and sporting events, goodwill advertising, souvenir journals or programs; and

3) Travel expenses for individuals or groups or fees for conferences or conventions.

The EQUUS Foundation awards grants to organizations defined as tax-exempt under IRS code section 501(c)(3) located in a U.S. state or territory, that are not private foundations as defined in IRS code section 509(a). Grants fall into one of three funding areas - programs that benefit the public; promote horse welfare; and/or elevate the equestrian sport, and may be awarded for general operations or specific projects.

Grants have been awarded for:

1) therapeutic riding programs and equine-assisted activities for individuals with physical, emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities, individuals with life-threatening or other serious illnesses, and "at-risk" youth, for scholarships, financial aid, riding apparel and equipment, certified riding instructors, transportation, and horse care;

2) horse rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and retirement, for feed, supplements, tack, grooming supplies, horse gear, farrier, veterinary care, equipment, and capital improvements.

3) veterinary education and research;

4) equine ambulance services;

5) enhancing the equestrian sport, for scholarships, awards, youth involvement, relief for equestrians in need, and programs to promote public education and awareness.

The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., a federally tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, awards grants to charitable organizations that have a beneficial impact on the community, with special emphasis on programs that promote the positive use of the horse for the benefit of the general public, improve the quality of life of horses, contribute to the welfare of the participants in the equestrian sport, and elevate the equestrian sport and profession as a whole.

Grant recipients must meet the eligibility criteria set by The EQUUS Foundation with respect to management and fiscal practices. Grant applications are reviewed by the Grant Review Committee of The EQUUS Foundation and approved by the Board of Directors.

The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. is in the process of developing an online grant application for the 2009 Grant Program. Applicants must complete and pass an online Eligibility Quiz in order to apply for a grant. A site visit may be required before or as a condition of a grant. Grant applications must be received by The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., by June 15, 2009. Grant applicants selected by The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., will be notified by August 31, 2009; grant awards will be made during the month of September 2009.

Organizations that have previously been awarded grants may re-apply once they have satisfactorily completed the required follow-up on the previous grant.

Please check the website in January 2009 for more details on the 2009 Grant Program.