Best Grants for Equine Nonprofits in Vermont

The Essex Horse Trials Grant is available to a developing rider age 25 and under who is competing successfully at the CCI4*-S level and above and who is working towards representing the U.S. in international team competition. The grant is intended to assist the recipient in developing the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Young Rider ranks to the Senior Rider ranks. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.On behalf of the representatives of the Essex Horse Trials, the USEA Foundation will administer the processes of the grant’s intent. Eligible riders will be in good standing with the USEA. The rider’s performance at the CCI4*-S level and above during the previous competition season will be reviewed by the Essex Horse Trials Grant Committee when making the final selection. The Essex Horse Trials Grant is awarded at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in December each year.  Funds must be used within two calendar years following receipt of the grant and riders must keep complete accounting records and receipts for all funds used and submit these to the USEA Foundation by November 30 of that year. 

About USEA Foundation The fundamental mission of the USEA Foundation is to protect and preserve the sport of eventing for future generations and to provide support for the core educational, safety, and equine welfare programs of the USEA. In addition, the Foundation administers educational grants for riders with the intent of preparing them to reach their goals.

About Full Moon Farm Eventing Foundation Fund

The Full Moon Farm Eventing Foundation Fund provides grants for training and education in the sport of eventing for riders who face challenges accessing such training and education due to financial or social-economic circumstances, exclusion or difficulty due to race, nationality, gender or gender identification, sexual orientation, age or other barrier. This grant is aimed to help eventers at all levels of the sport to encourage riders to chase their goals and keep learning and developing as athletes.

In honor of the late Kim Meier, a top level eventing athlete who made it to the highest levels of the sport through her own grit and determination. This grant is intended to assist those riders who are struggling financially to compete their own horse(s) at the Intermediate level and above who have passed beyond the funding available for juniors and young adults. Preference will also be given to riders that are competing on horses that they bred. This fund was established and funded through the generosity of Kim’s friends.Each year one applicant will be selected to receive a $5,000 grant.

The Le Samurai Fund was established by Rebecca Broussard and Amy Tryon in memory of the great five-star horse Le Samurai. The USEA Foundation has allocated a total of $10,000 annually from the Le Samurai Fund for adult amateur education programs that are USEA Area activities. Grants from the fund are in addition to Area allotments and can be used for the same adult amateur education programs.

Each Grant will be given during the USEA’s fiscal year, ending November 30, and cannot rollover into the next fiscal budget year.

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.

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. 

Individuals entering or continuing college who have participated in equestrian activities can receive scholarship support for higher education in the U.S., including Vermont. With a mission to partner with donors statewide, North Carolina Community Foundation provides scholarships of more than US $1,000 through the NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment.

Female high school seniors involved in equestrian sports who are graduating from Henderson, Smith, or Van Zandt County and planning to attend any U.S. college can receive scholarship support for tuition, fees, room, board, and supplies. The Leslie Reid Memorial Scholarship from East Texas Communities Foundation awards US $1,250 and may benefit students in equine-focused Vermont programs attending these colleges.

Vermont equestrian organizations serving people with cystic fibrosis may be eligible for support of horseback riding activities through the Loretta Morris Memorial Grants, which offer up to US $750. California children and adults with CF seeking horseback riding, dance, or golf activities receive priority, with payments made directly to the activity provider or billing organization.

Vermont equestrian sports nonprofits, especially 501(c)(3) organizations promoting polo among young players, can access funding through the Frederic C. Collin Trust for programs that advance polo and tennis. Grants of US $2,000 - US $3,800 are available to support eligible youth-focused sports activities nationwide, including equine-related initiatives.

Student-athletes in equestrian and other NCAA fall sports from member schools, including those in Vermont, can receive US $10,000 for accredited graduate study. With a mission to promote postgraduate education, National Collegiate Athletic Association provides scholarships recognizing academic excellence, athletic achievement, leadership, and community service for those in their final year of eligibility or recently graduated.

Equine organizations promoting Morgan horses can request up to US $10,000 for any Morgan breed promotion purpose, including clubs, barns, and AMHA-affiliated groups in Vermont and beyond. Focused on equestrian sports, American Morgan Horse Association invites eligible groups with registered Morgans and at least one AMHA member to apply for flexible promotional funding.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, including Vermont equine nonprofits with educational, scientific, medical, or general charitable programs, may be eligible for support to strengthen services and community impact. Sidney Stern Memorial Trust funds tax-exempt charities whose well-managed programs significantly benefit their target populations and contribute to overall public welfare within the U.S.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

Equine adoption and welfare organizations in Vermont focused on retired Thoroughbred racehorses can apply for American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Right Horse grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for capacity-building, adoption, or safety net programs. Eligible applicants include ASPCA Right Horse partners and active Warm-Up Ring participants meeting ASPCA grantee standards.

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, Industry Partners, and active Warm-Up Ring participants in Vermont can apply for US $10,000 - US $40,000 to expand or improve programs adopting out retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Funding from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supports training, rehabilitation, adopter engagement, and other capacity-building or efficiency efforts.

Vermont equine and animal welfare organizations conducting formal research on shelter care, management, or prevention-focused programs can access funding through the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Investigators affiliated with U.S. entities and eligible Canadian public universities or municipalities may receive up to US $50,000 for high-quality studies benefiting animal welfare.

Universities, animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, and other U.S.-based entities, plus eligible Canadian public universities and municipalities, can apply for ASPCA cruelty research grants up to US $50,000 to study equine, cat, or dog cruelty. Vermont equine nonprofits partnering with researchers may be eligible for projects improving animal welfare and community or systems-level responses.