Best Grants for Equine Nonprofits in Indiana

Accredited charities in Indiana and worldwide seeking support for humanitarian, science education, community development, environmental, or contemporary arts projects can apply for philanthropic funding; projects must be locally based in the country of the Roche affiliate. La Roche supports innovative, sustainable initiatives that engage employees and partners and may benefit equine-related community or youth programs.

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. 

Students who have participated in equestrian activities and are entering or continuing college can receive scholarship funding of more than US $1,000 from North Carolina Community Foundation, including those in Indiana. Focused on higher education, this scholarship supports undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students attending eligible U.S. institutions.

Female high school seniors involved in horse show activities who live in Henderson, Smith, or Van Zandt County and plan to attend any U.S. college can receive the Leslie Reid Memorial Scholarship for US $1,250. Focused on equestrian sports, East Texas Communities Foundation supports tuition, fees, room and board, and required books or supplies.

Children and adults with cystic fibrosis in California seeking support for horseback riding, dance, golf, or swimming can receive up to US $750 for activity fees. Focused on active living, BreatheStrong CF invites eligible individuals whose equestrian activities are billed through providers or organizations, including those connected to Indiana-based equine nonprofits, to apply; funds are paid directly to the activity provider.

Indiana 501(c)(3) organizations promoting polo or tennis, especially for youth, can seek support through the Frederic C. Collin Trust, which provides US $2,000 - US $3,800 grants. This nationwide fund focuses on sports development and may benefit equestrian nonprofits that incorporate polo programming or related youth sports activities.

Indiana equestrian sports student-athletes at NCAA member institutions can receive $10,000 one-time postgraduate scholarships to pursue accredited graduate or professional degrees. Through the National Collegiate Athletic Association, fall-sport athletes who excel academically and athletically, including those in equestrian programs, may be nominated by their schools for this competitive award.

Equine organizations promoting Morgan horses in Indiana can request up to US $10,000 for any Morgan breed promotion purpose, including events, outreach, or educational activities. Focused on equestrian sports, the American Morgan Horse Association funds AMHA clubs, organized Morgan groups, Morgan barns, and AMHA-affiliated organizations; at least one member must be a current AMHA member with registered Morgans.

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.

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.

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

Equine adoption organizations focused on retired Thoroughbred racehorses in Indiana and across the U.S. can seek support to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and boost adoptions. 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, animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, and other public or private entities conducting animal welfare research in Indiana and beyond can seek funding for shelter-focused studies, up to US $50,000. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supports research on equine, dog, and cat well-being, shelter operations, and prevention-oriented programs.

Universities, animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, and other U.S.-based entities conducting research on cruelty toward equines, cats, or dogs can apply for ASPCA grants up to US $50,000. With a mission to advance animal welfare research, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides support for rigorous studies that inform prevention and response efforts, including work relevant to equine nonprofits in Indiana.

Universities, veterinary clinics, animal welfare organizations, and other research-focused entities can seek funding to study access to veterinary care for equines, cats, and dogs in Indiana and beyond. ASPCA supports rigorous research that improves animal welfare systems; grants up to US $50,000 may develop tools, guidelines, or shelter–researcher partnerships to expand veterinary access.

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 Indiana can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Equine nonprofits with programs in areas like community safety, disaster preparedness, education, or neighborhood revitalization may be eligible.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s national Community Grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelters and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and arts access. Equine nonprofits that meet these criteria and serve U.S. communities may be eligible.

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.

Indiana equine nonprofits with strong community partnerships can access funding through the Mutual Of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award to recognize exemplary collaborative leadership. This national U.S. competition honors nonprofit-led partnerships that measurably improve communities, can be replicated elsewhere, and address significant social issues through shared, equal collaboration across sectors.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that run proven social service programs can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or general support from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. Indiana equine nonprofits addressing poverty, youth development, job training, or related community services may be eligible if they operate at scale and show strong impact.