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.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can seek support for programs in areas like animal welfare, children and families, education, health, poverty relief, and disaster response. Focused on compassionate, tangible impact, the Robinson Foundation may support equine or related programs that clearly serve their communities and demonstrate fiscal responsibility.

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.

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.

North Dakota equine nonprofits working on community development, hunger relief, housing, or adult self-sufficiency programs may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants. Focus areas include meeting basic needs, supporting community vitality, and volunteer-driven causes, with priority for U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations that engage Ameriprise volunteers and demonstrate measurable results.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in North Dakota can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Equine nonprofits that fit these categories, such as those offering safety education or community development programs, may be eligible.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.