January 1, 2024

2024 Guardian Cycle Opens on January 1

The Guardian designation is awarded annually to equine charities on the Equine Welfare Network that demonstrate a commitment to public transparency by their willingness to make comprehensive data about their programs, equine care practices, and governance available for public scrutiny. Eligible organizations are equine charities that provide:

Shelter and rehabilitation for America's equines subjected to abuse and neglect, and at risk for slaughter;
Retraining and re-homing of America's equines in transition with careers as athletes, companions, teachers, and healers;
Peaceful and humane retirement and end of life for aged equines that ensures that they are able to live out their lives in comfort and with dignity;
Mutually beneficial opportunities for people and equines to partner for the purpose of contributing positively to cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being.

The Mentor Accreditation is awarded annually to EQUUS Foundation Guardian charities that meet the EQUUS Foundation highest standards for business and equine welfare practices.

New for 2024, there is a two-step process - with the first step required for ALL charities participating on the Equine Welfare Network -- and the second step required for all charities seeking to attain or renew the Guardian designation in 2024.

View the Funding Eligibility and Opportunities Webinar HERE

View Equine Welfare Network Member, Guardian and Mentor Eligibility Requirements HERE

View our Funding Guidelines HERE

STEP ONE - DEADLINE JANUARY 31, 2024

To remain on the Equine Welfare Network, ALL charities will need to review, update and submit the information required for participation between January 1, 2024, and January 31, 2024.

The EQUUS Foundation will conduct a review of the information upon submission on a first-come, first-served basis. The review process may take four to six weeks.

All organizations that successfully complete STEP ONE on or before January 31, 2024, will remain on the Equine Welfare Network for 2024, whether or not the organization attains the Guardian designation.

If the information submitted is INCOMPLETE, the EQUUS Foundation will notify the organization and, depending on the extent of the incomplete information, the organization may be considered ineligible to attain the Guardian designation until the next cycle that starts on January 1, 2025.

STEP TWO

If the Step One submission is considered complete, the EQUUS Foundation will provide the organization with a link outlining additional information that will need to be completed and submitted within 30 days from the time the link is provided. This additional information includes a statement of the organization's goals and accomplishments as well as financial and census information based on the organization's programs and activities during 2023.

The EQUUS Foundation will conduct another review upon submission of the additional information and notify the organization whether or not the Guardian designation has been attained. The second review process may take up to six weeks.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Equine charities that attain the Guardian designation in 2024 will be eligible for the following funding opportunities in 2024: Equine Welfare Grants (formerly known as Transparency Awards), Brooke USA Bridge Grants and Lafitte De Muze Safety Net Grants as well as participation in EQUUS Foundation campaigns designed for Guardian participation.

The selection of the recipients of EQUUS Foundation Equine Welfare Grants will be based on the EQUUS Foundation's review and rating of the Guardian's business and equine welfare practices and the amount of funds raised by the EQUUS Foundation over the course of the year. The selection will be made in August 2024 and announced in September 2024. The selection of the recipients of Brooke USA Bridge Grants and Lafitte De Muze Safety Net Grants are made on a rolling basis.

ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America's horses from peril and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: equusfoundation.org.