Best Grants for Equine Nonprofits in Michigan

Accredited Michigan horse camps offering therapeutic horseback riding for disabled or terminally ill children (age 16 and under) can seek support through the Kailey Elizabeth Jordan Memorial Fund. Focused on equestrian sports and human-animal therapy, Shiawassee Community Foundation provides grants to help camps expand access to healing horse experiences in Michigan.

Michigan equestrian sports student-athletes at NCAA member schools can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association for graduate study, with one-time $10,000 postgraduate scholarships. Eligible fall-sport athletes must excel academically and athletically, be in their final year of eligibility or already graduated, and enroll in an accredited graduate or professional program within one year.

Michigan 501(c)(3) organizations promoting polo or tennis, especially for youth, can apply for grants of US $2,000 - US $3,800 from the Frederic C. Collin Trust. This national funder supports arts, culture, and humanities programs, and equine nonprofits with polo initiatives may be eligible if their activities advance the sport.

Children and adults with cystic fibrosis in California seeking support for horseback riding, dance, swimming, or golf can receive up to US $750 for activity fees, paid directly to providers. Focused on equestrian sports and other physical activities, BreatheStrong CF invites eligible individuals to apply for Loretta Morris Memorial Grants.

Female high school seniors involved in horse show activities who are from Henderson, Smith, or Van Zandt County and planning to attend any U.S. college can receive the Leslie Reid Memorial Scholarship for US $1,250 toward tuition, fees, room, board, or books. Focused on equestrian sports, East Texas Communities Foundation uses a single application that may benefit equine-focused students, including those in Michigan researching opportunities.

Students who have participated in equestrian activities and are entering or continuing college can apply for the NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment, offering more than US $1,000 for higher education. This North Carolina Community Foundation scholarship may benefit equine-focused students connected to Michigan equestrian nonprofits or programs.

The Dressage Foundation

The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage in the United States.

In 1989, Lowell Boomer founded The Dressage Foundation (TDF) with a vision: to empower dressage across the country. Since then, we've awarded millions of dollars in grants, helping people across our sport, and across the country, achieve their dreams. From grassroots initiatives to high-performance endeavors, we aim to create a strong, inclusive, and vibrant dressage community.

We strive to cultivate dressage excellence by reducing some of the financial barriers of dressage training and education, and we believe that every aspect of our sport deserves help.

George Williams Young Professional Fund

The George Williams Young Professional Fund supports dressage professionals, ages 25-35, who are committed to the sport and have established businesses as instructors and trainers.   

The George Williams Young Professional Fund was established in 2018 to honor his lifelong commitment to dressage. Applicants should have a strong desire to participate in continuing education opportunities, in order to provide higher-quality instruction to their students. 

About Richard Picken Memorial GrantEstablished in memory of the late Richard Picken by his loved ones, the Richard Picken Memorial Grants from the Fund of the same name are established to fund the intensive training of riders aged 25 years and younger competing at the FEI CCI2* level or higher. Further information may be collected by the Review Committee in advance of the grant announcement made at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention. 

The USEA Foundation has established the TEAPRO Grant (Training and Education in the Art of Pace and Riding in the Open), which is available to organizers, trainers, education groups and others to support opportunities for riders and horses to practice galloping, trot sets, and other forms of riding in the open as well as learn about fitness and conditioning for both horse and rider. The aim is to further education in these skills and to support many of the sport's stakeholders in doing so— riders, horses, trainers, organizers, coaches, clinicians, etc. Examples include funding for: a clinician to conduct a session on how to gallop horses in the open; a clinic where riders work to develop a feel for pace at walk, trot and canter over terrain; a seminar to educate riders on how to safely and effectively build the fitness level of their horse and themselves; portable steeplechase jumps that will be used to create a steeplechase course at one or more facilities; offsetting costs for the equipment required to accurately measure and set up a galloping or trot set track.Grant Funding: Grant funds will be awarded to address specific funding needs up to a maximum of $3,000 per applicant. Total awards per year shall not exceed $8,000.

About the Grant: The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants are bestowed by the Broussard family through the USEA Foundation in memory and honor of Rebecca Chaney Broussard. “Becky” supported numerous international riders through both her generous financial contributions and horse ownership. The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants are designed to assist and to encourage the education and development of event riders at the highest level of the sport. These grants are awarded to offset some of the travel and training expenses in the pursuit of achieving the qualities of an international rider. These grants are not available to any rider that has already achieved the honor of representing the United States at the Pan American Games, Olympics or World Equestrian Games.The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Fund is separated into three types:

1. Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant (also known as the “Big Becky”) awards $50,000 for the educational development of an international quality rider based on competition in eventing on the global stage. 

2. Rebecca Broussard National Developing Rider Grant (also known as the “Little Becky”) awards $15,000 for the educational development of an international quality rider based on competition in eventing on the national stage. 

3. Rebecca Farm Travel Grants are smaller grants made available to better assist riders to visit The Event at Rebecca Farm in order to interview for the Developing Rider Grants. 

Mackinac Island–focused 501(c)(3) organizations, municipal or educational entities, and groups with a charitable purpose in Michigan can seek funding for projects serving Island residents and visitors. The Mackinac Island Community Foundation supports initiatives including horse tradition, youth programs, arts and culture, education, health care, housing, and environmental conservation that strengthen community life.

Equine nonprofits and AMHA-affiliated Morgan organizations in Michigan can request up to US $10,000 to promote the Morgan horse through equestrian sports and related activities. Focused on Morgan breed promotion, the American Morgan Horse Association funds clubs, organized Morgan groups, barns, and affiliated organizations, provided applicants include a current AMHA member and use registered Morgans.

About Patrick "Packy" McGaughan A popular instructor in Area II, Packy operated Banbury Cross Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland. The farm was developed into a premier training, breeding and boarding facility, specializing in eventing, dressage, hunters, and equitation. Packy produced numerous horses and riders to the highest level of the sport. He was a top instructor in Area II for both juniors, amateurs, and professionals alike and could often be found at events up and down the East Coast coaching riders of all ages and levels.

About Patrick “Packy” McGaughan Prize

Following his passing, an award in Packy McGaughan’s honor was established through the USEA Foundation. That award includes a beautiful bronze trophy and award recipients will be recognized at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, and a $5,000 award given annually to a USEA member who demonstrates a love of the sport similar to Packy. 

Michigan equine nonprofits focused on retired Thoroughbred racehorses can seek funding to expand adoption capacity or provide safety-net programs that help keep owned horses in their homes. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 grants to qualified Right Horse partners and Warm-Up Ring participants meeting ASPCA grantee standards.

Equine adoption organizations focused on retired Thoroughbred racehorses can apply for funding to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and increase adoptions in Michigan and nationwide. With a mission to prevent cruelty to animals, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides US $10,000 - US $40,000 for training, rehabilitation, adopter engagement, and collaborative programs.

Universities, veterinary hospitals, animal welfare organizations, and other public or private entities conducting animal welfare research can apply for ASPCA funding to study shelter care and prevention-focused programs, with awards up to US $50,000. Grants support research on equine, dog, and cat well-being in shelter environments, including management, medical care, and keeping animals and people together, in the U.S. and Canada.

Universities, animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, and other research-focused entities in Michigan studying equine cruelty and related issues can apply for cruelty research grants up to US $50,000. With a mission to advance animal welfare science, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides funding for rigorous, generalizable research benefiting at-risk animals, including horses.

Universities, veterinary hospitals, animal welfare organizations, and other U.S.-based entities conducting research to improve access to veterinary care for equines, cats, and dogs in Michigan and beyond can apply for ASPCA grants up to US $50,000. ASPCA supports rigorous studies that generate practical tools or guidelines to expand veterinary care access, including shelter–researcher partnerships.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that provide direct social services in Michigan can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation; awards are more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or general support. Organizations addressing poverty, housing, food access, legal aid, reentry, or youth development may be eligible, including equine nonprofits with qualifying community programs.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Michigan equine and other community-focused nonprofits can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for programs improving economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts communities may request project, general operating, or capital support that benefits underserved and underrepresented individuals and families.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can seek single-year support for humanitarian, family, education, health, or related services that create tangible impact. Focused on relief of hardship, Robinson Foundation invites nonprofits, including those with equine or animal welfare programs, serving communities below the Mason-Dixon line to apply.

Michigan equestrian and other nonprofit organizations that lead strong community partnerships can access funding through the Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborative programs that measurably improve communities, demonstrate replicable models, and address significant social issues, which may include equine-related initiatives built on cross-sector collaboration.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Community Grants, which prioritize strong volunteer engagement. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelters and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, arts access, and neighborhood revitalization, with funding available to U.S.-based organizations serving local communities.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.