Best Grants for Equine Nonprofits in Montana

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. 

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. 

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.

This Travel Grant is specifically designed to assist those competitors in the 3* and 4* FEI divisions who plan to apply for the Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant. The funds are to offset the transportation expenses to help riders compete at The Event at Rebecca Farm held in Kalispell, Montana. The funds will be distributed by the USEA Foundation through the generous support of The Broussard Family Charitable Foundation in honor of Rebecca Chaney Broussard. In the past, these grants have generally been based on mileage.

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 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. 

Students who have participated in equestrian activities and are entering or continuing college can apply for more than US $1,000 from the North Carolina Community Foundation. Focused on equestrian sports, this scholarship supports undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students in U.S. institutions, which may benefit Montana equine students connected to local nonprofits.

Female high school seniors involved in equestrian sports who live in Henderson, Smith, or Van Zandt County and plan to attend any U.S. college can receive $1,250 for tuition, fees, room and board, or books through the Leslie Reid Memorial Scholarship. Students in Montana with similar interests may look to East Texas Communities Foundation for equestrian-focused opportunities.

Children and adults with cystic fibrosis in California seeking support for horseback riding, dance, or golf can apply for Loretta Morris Memorial Grants, with awards up to US $750. Focused on equestrian and other physical activities, BreatheStrong CF pays approved funds directly to activity providers, which may benefit equine programs alongside individual participation.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations promoting polo or tennis, including those in Montana, can seek support to expand youth and other programming. Collin Frederic C TUW provides Montana equestrian sports groups and related nonprofits with US $2,000 - US $3,800 to promote these sports, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed at an annual meeting.

Montana equestrian sports programs can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association for standout student-athletes pursuing accredited graduate study. Former or current student-athletes at active NCAA member institutions in their final year of eligibility, with strong academics and leadership, may be nominated for one-time, non-renewable US $10,000 postgraduate scholarships in fall sports, including women’s equestrian.

Equine organizations promoting Morgan horses, including AMHA clubs, organized Morgan groups, Morgan barns, and AMHA-affiliated organizations in Montana, can request up to US $10,000 for any Morgan breed promotion purpose. Focused on equestrian sports, the American Morgan Horse Association funds projects where involved horses are registered Morgans and checks are not payable to individuals.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Scaife Family Foundation Grant has been supporting vulnerable community members for nearly 40 years, providing over $180 million in donations to non-profits. The Foundation aims to match organizations with aligned goals, focusing on women and children, addiction prevention, and animal welfare. It offers grants for general operating and program support, prioritizing impactful programs that address societal issues. Notably, the Foundation considers proposals that foster healthy relationships and promote treatment for addiction, enhancing the welfare of both humans and animals.

Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help Montana 501(c)(3) organizations fund charitable, educational, scientific, and medical programs, with all funds used in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits with well-managed operations and broad community impact, including those running equine or equestrian sports initiatives, may be competitive applicants.

Equine adoption and welfare nonprofits in Montana can apply for ASPCA funding to expand adoption capacity or provide safety-net programs that help keep owned horses in their homes, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supports eligible Right Horse partners and Warm-Up Ring participants serving retired Thoroughbred racehorses.

Equine adoption organizations focused on retired Thoroughbred racehorses can seek US $10,000 - US $40,000 to expand capacity and improve adoption outcomes in Montana and nationwide. With a mission to protect animals, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides support for training, rehabilitation, adopter engagement, and collaborative programs through this initiative.

Universities, animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, and other public or private entities conducting animal welfare research can seek funding up to US $50,000 for shelter-focused studies benefiting equines, dogs, and cats. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supports rigorous research in the U.S. and eligible Canadian institutions, which may include work with Montana equine nonprofits.

Universities, animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, and other research-focused entities in Montana can seek up to US $50,000 for equine, cat, or dog cruelty research that improves animal welfare in the U.S. With a mission to advance animal welfare science, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides competitive research grants across the U.S. and Canada.

Universities, veterinary hospitals, animal welfare organizations, and other U.S.-based entities researching access to veterinary care for equines, cats, or dogs can seek up to US $50,000 for rigorous studies. ASPCA supports projects that generate practical tools or guidelines; Montana equine nonprofits partnering with researchers may be eligible collaborators.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Montana can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Equine and equestrian nonprofits may be eligible if their programs address areas like community safety, disaster preparedness, education, or neighborhood revitalization.

Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can seek support for hunger relief, shelter, economic development, arts access, and related services via Ameriprise Financial. Organizations must serve U.S. clients, show measurable outcomes and financial stability, and may be especially competitive if Ameriprise employees or advisors actively volunteer with them.

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.

Montana equine and other nonprofit organizations with strong, replicable community partnerships can access recognition and support through the Mutual Of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners that measurably improve communities and address significant social issues, which may include equestrian sports or related programming.