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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities in Michigan and worldwide. Focused on health, education, and disaster relief, Semnani Family Foundation invites organizations working in areas like healthcare access, child welfare, and humanitarian aid to apply for project or program funding.

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.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.