Best Grants for Equine Nonprofits in North Dakota

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. 

Equine nonprofits and AMHA-affiliated Morgan groups promoting the Morgan horse, including those in North Dakota, can request up to US $10,000 for any Morgan breed promotion purpose. Focused on equestrian sports, the American Morgan Horse Association funds AMHA clubs, organized Morgan groups, Morgan barns, and affiliated organizations, not individuals.

Students who have participated in equestrian activities and are entering or continuing college can apply for more than US $1,000 in scholarship support from North Carolina Community Foundation. Focused on equestrian sports, this endowment aids undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students in the U.S., including those from North Dakota.

Female high school seniors involved in horse show activities and graduating from Henderson, Smith, or Van Zandt County schools can receive the Leslie Reid Memorial Scholarship for college expenses at any U.S. institution. Focused on equestrian sports, East Texas Communities Foundation provides $1,250 for tuition, fees, room and board, or books and supplies.

Children and adults with cystic fibrosis seeking support for horseback riding, dance, or golf in California can apply for Loretta Morris Memorial Grants, offering up to US $750. Focused on active lifestyles, BreatheStrong CF invites eligible individuals, including those involved in equestrian sports, to request funding paid directly to the activity provider or billing organization.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations promoting polo or tennis, including those serving equestrian sports in North Dakota, can apply for grants supporting youth-focused sports programs. Collin Frederic C TUW provides North Dakota equestrian sports groups with US $2,000 - US $3,800 to advance these activities. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed annually.

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

Equine adoption and welfare organizations in North Dakota and across the U.S. can receive ASPCA funding to expand capacity, boost adoptions, or provide safety-net programs that help keep owned equines at home, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000. Eligible applicants are ASPCA Right Horse partners and active Warm-Up Ring participants focused on retired Thoroughbred racehorses.

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

Universities, veterinary hospitals, animal welfare organizations, and other U.S.-based entities, plus eligible Canadian public universities and municipalities, can seek up to US $50,000 for equine, dog, and cat shelter research benefiting animal welfare in North Dakota and beyond. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supports rigorous studies, especially shelter–researcher partnerships and prevention-oriented programs.

Universities, animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, and other U.S.-based entities conducting equine cruelty research can apply for ASPCA grants of up to US $50,000, including projects in North Dakota. With a mission to advance animal welfare research, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides support for rigorous, generalizable studies on cruelty toward equines, cats, and dogs.

Universities, veterinary hospitals, animal welfare organizations, and other U.S.-based entities can seek ASPCA support for research improving access to veterinary care for equines, cats, and dogs in North Dakota and beyond. ASPCA supports animal welfare research by funding rigorous Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) projects, offering up to US $50,000 for studies that generate practical tools or guidelines.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that provide direct social services, including in North Dakota, can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital projects, or general operations. William Randolph Hearst Foundation favors scalable efforts addressing chronic poverty, such as housing, food access, job training, legal aid, reentry, and youth development, which may include equine-related youth or workforce 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.

North Dakota equine nonprofits focused on community services like economic stability, workforce development, health, or disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations may request project, general operating, or capital support for programs benefiting underserved and underrepresented individuals and families.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

North Dakota equine nonprofits that are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations using collaborative partnerships to address social issues can access funding through Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award. Programs that model strong cross-sector collaboration and can be replicated or scaled may be recognized through this national competition.

Focused on global health and human services, Semnani Family Foundation invites nonprofits to seek support for healthcare access, education, disaster relief, and services for vulnerable populations. Organizations in the U.S. and internationally, including those whose equine programs intersect with community health or social services, may be eligible for project or program support.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in North Dakota seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, as long as funds are used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help well-managed groups, including equine and equestrian sports nonprofits, expand services that broadly benefit their communities.

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.

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 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 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.

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.