Best Grants for Equine Nonprofits in Minnesota

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 organized Morgan groups in Minnesota promoting Morgan horses can request up to US $10,000 for any Morgan breed promotion purpose. Focused on equestrian sports, the American Morgan Horse Association invites AMHA clubs, Morgan barns, and affiliated organizations to apply, provided applicants include a current AMHA member and use registered Morgans.

Individuals entering or continuing college who have participated in equestrian activities can apply for the NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment, offering more than US $1,000. Focused on higher education, this North Carolina Community Foundation program may benefit students connected to equine nonprofits in Minnesota studying at U.S. institutions.

Female high school seniors involved in equestrian sports and graduating from Henderson, Smith, or Van Zandt County schools can receive US $1,250 for college costs through the Leslie Reid Memorial Scholarship. Administered by East Texas Communities Foundation, funds support tuition, fees, room and board, or books at any U.S. college; homeschool students may also qualify.

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

Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations promoting polo or tennis can receive US $2,000 - US $3,800 to support these sports, especially for youth. The Frederic C. Collin Trust provides national funding, so equine-focused nonprofits in Minnesota that incorporate polo development into their programming may be eligible to apply year-round, with reviews at the annual grant meeting.

Minnesota equestrian sports student-athletes at active NCAA member institutions can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association for graduate study, with one-time $10,000 postgraduate scholarships. Eligible nominees 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.

Minnesota equine adoption and welfare organizations serving retired Thoroughbred racehorses can seek ASPCA funding to expand adoption capacity or provide safety-net services that help keep owned equines 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.

Equine adoption organizations focused on retired Thoroughbred racehorses can seek US $10,000 - US $40,000 to expand or improve adoption programs, including in Minnesota. With a mission to protect animals, the ASPCA provides funding for training, medical rehabilitation, adopter engagement, and collaborations that increase capacity, reduce length of stay, and improve humane outcomes.

Universities, veterinary hospitals, animal welfare organizations, and other public or private entities can seek funding for shelter-focused animal welfare research benefiting equines, dogs, and cats, including work on prevention-oriented programs, management, and medical care. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supports projects in the U.S. and Canada with up to US $50,000 for rigorous, generalizable studies that may aid Minnesota equine nonprofits.

Universities, animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, and other public or private entities in Minnesota can seek ASPCA cruelty research grants to study equine, cat, or dog cruelty. With a mission to advance animal welfare research, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides up to US $50,000 for rigorous, generalizable studies, including shelter–researcher partnerships.

Universities, veterinary clinics, animal welfare organizations, and other research-focused entities in Minnesota and across the U.S. and Canada can seek up to US $50,000 to study access to veterinary care for horses, cats, and dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supports rigorous projects that generate practical tools or guidelines to improve veterinary access.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that provide direct social services, including in Minnesota, can seek more than US $100,000 to expand proven programs addressing chronic poverty and economic hardship. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports program, capital, and general operating needs, favoring scalable efforts like youth development, housing, food access, legal aid, and job training that reach large populations; equine nonprofits may be eligible if their work fits these priorities.

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.

Minnesota 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 improving quality of life for underserved 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.

Minnesota equine nonprofits that are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations and lead strong cross-sector community partnerships can access funding through the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award. This national competition honors exemplary collaborations that measurably improve communities, demonstrate clear social impact, and can be replicated or scaled to address significant social issues.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services to marginalized communities in Minnesota and worldwide can seek support from the Semnani Family Foundation. Focused on health care access, disaster relief, child welfare, and related human services, the foundation invites proposals that improve conditions for vulnerable populations, which may include equine-assisted programs serving these groups.

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.

Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations fund charitable, educational, scientific, and medical programs, with all funds used in the U.S. Equine nonprofits in Minnesota may be eligible if they are tax-exempt charities whose horse-related work advances education, health, science, or broader community welfare.

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.