Best Grants for Equine Nonprofits in Puerto Rico

Student-athletes from NCAA member schools in Puerto Rico and beyond who excel academically and in equestrian or other fall sports can receive US $10,000 for accredited graduate study. With a mission to promote postgraduate education, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides one-time scholarships to nominees in their final year of eligibility or after completing their undergraduate degree.

Accredited charities in Puerto Rico and worldwide can seek funding for humanitarian, educational, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that promote sustainable development and community benefit. La Roche provides support where local affiliate offices operate, prioritizing innovative projects that engage employees and partners and can leverage the company’s scientific expertise and logistics capabilities.

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.

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 in the U.S. can receive scholarship support for higher education costs through the NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment. With a mission to support students statewide, North Carolina Community Foundation offers awards of more than US $1,000 via its scholarship program.

Female high school seniors involved in equestrian sports from Henderson, Smith, or Van Zandt County can receive the Leslie Reid Memorial Scholarship to support U.S. college expenses. East Texas Communities Foundation awards US $1,250 for one year, usable for tuition, fees, room and board, or books and supplies; homeschool students may also qualify.

Puerto Rico equestrian sports organizations serving people with cystic fibrosis may be eligible for support to cover horseback riding activities. Loretta Morris Memorial Grants from BreatheStrong CF provide up to US $750, paid directly to the activity provider, for children and adults with CF, with preference for California residents.

Puerto Rico equestrian sports nonprofits promoting polo or tennis among youth can access funding through the Frederic C. Collin Trust. This national 501(c)(3) program offers US $2,000 - US $3,800 for activities that develop these sports, which may benefit equine-focused organizations working with riders and horse-related polo programs.

Equine nonprofits and organizations promoting Morgan horses, including those in Puerto Rico, 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 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.

Equine adoption and welfare organizations in Puerto Rico working with retired Thoroughbred racehorses can apply for ASPCA Right Horse grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for capacity-building, adoption, or safety net programs. Eligible groups must be ASPCA Right Horse partners or Warm-Up Ring participants and meet ASPCA grantee organizational standards.

Equine adoption nonprofits and industry partners focused on retired Thoroughbred racehorses, including those in Puerto Rico, can apply for ASPCA’s Reimagining Racers grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $40,000 to expand capacity and efficiency. Funding supports training, adopter engagement, medical rehabilitation, and collaborative programs that increase adoptions and improve humane outcomes.

Puerto Rico animal welfare and veterinary organizations conducting equine, dog, or cat shelter research can access funding through the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for studies up to US $50,000. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based universities, agencies, veterinary clinics, and animal welfare nonprofits, plus certain Canadian public institutions improving animal welfare in the U.S.

Investigators and research teams at U.S. universities, government agencies, veterinary hospitals, animal welfare organizations, and similar entities, including those in Puerto Rico, can apply for ASPCA cruelty research grants up to US $50,000 to study equine, cat, or dog cruelty. Projects may explore policy, criminal justice, veterinary forensics, community engagement, prevention, or system-level responses.

Universities, veterinary clinics, animal welfare organizations, and other U.S.-based entities, plus eligible Canadian public institutions, can seek ASPCA support for research improving access to veterinary care for cats, dogs, and equines. Focused on veterinary science and animal welfare, projects should generate generalizable knowledge and practical tools or guidelines rather than direct services or infrastructure.

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.

Puerto Rico nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies working on safety, education, or community development can access funding through State Farm Foundation for eligible programs. Projects may include disaster preparedness and recovery, auto and home safety, affordable housing, financial literacy, food insecurity, job training, and K–12 or higher education initiatives.

Puerto Rico 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with support for hunger relief, housing and shelters, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and other community vitality efforts that may benefit equine-focused organizations.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborations that address significant social issues. Puerto Rico equine nonprofits working with public, private, or social sector partners may be eligible if their partnerships measurably improve lives and communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years and serving communities in the Southern U.S. can seek funding for humanitarian aid, children and family services, education, animal welfare, and related programs. Grants from Robinson Foundation help eligible groups, including those with equine or equestrian components, address hardship and promote long-term well-being.