The ASPCA Equine Fund provides grants to U.S. nonprofit equine welfare organizations and other animal welfare organizations that care for horses, mules, donkeys and ponies – both wild and domestic – in alignment with our efforts to protect all equines.
Awarding equine nonprofits which strive to achieve best practices
ASPCA Equine Fund provides grants to U.S. nonprofit equine welfare organizations and other animal welfare organizations that care for horses, mules, donkeys and ponies.
The ASPCA Equine Fund grants program seeks to award equine organizations which strive to achieve best practices, including maintenance of updated websites and robust fundraising practices, as well as excellent animal care.
Grants are generally awarded in amounts from $500-$4,000 and do not exceed 10% of an organization's current annual operating budget. A site visit may be required before or as a condition of a grant. Unless otherwise noted, letters of inquiry must be submitted no later than November 1st and all applications must be submitted no later than November 10th to be considered for current year funding.
ASPCA Equine Fund grants will be awarded to those organizations whose focus and expertise is concentrated on reducing the suffering of equines who have lost their homes or been cruelly treated.
We will also consider capacity-building grants that improve professionalism and better position an equine rescue or sanctuary to advance their mission. In 2012, the ASPCA Equine Fund will consider grant applications in the following areas (submit one project or request per application):
Anti-Cruelty Seizures
Grants for housing and rehabilitation of the equine victims of large-scale cruelty seizures impacting twelve or more animals are available. Support in the form of $250/horse (not to exceed $15,000) can be applied for by an equine rescue group, humane society or animal control agency. Verification of the number of animals impacted must be submitted with the online application either via reliable media coverage or an affidavit from the law enforcement agency involved in the seizure.
Award Range: $3,000-$15,000
Emergency Feed Support
Grants for hay, feed and supplements are available for relatively new organizations [1-5 years since receiving their 501(c)(3) status] that are having difficulty building their donor base in the current challenging economy, even though they are engaging in fundraising best practices (utilize website and social media, offer sponsorship opportunities, hold events, etc.); and for established groups who are requested to exceed their limits to provide for at-risk horses by local law enforcement. Organizations which have received an ASPCA Equine Fund grant within the past twelve months are ineligible for funding.
Award Range: $500-$4,000
Capital Improvements
Grants will be awarded for expansion programs, safety projects, emergency repairs and projects that will improve professionalism to established 501(c)(3) equine rescues and sanctuaries. Organizations which have received an ASPCA Equine Fund grant within the past twelve months are ineligible for funding.
Award Range: $500-$4,000
Training Grants
Grants to improve adoption rates through training will be awarded to established equine rescues that have had their 501(c)(3) at least five years and have an annual budget that exceeds $40,000. Grants will be considered for the following: training sessions with experienced trainers who utilize humane training methods, training equipment, training space improvements.
Organizations which have received an ASPCA Equine Fund grant within the past twelve months are ineligible for funding (Stipends and cruelty seizure support grants are the exception.) Award range: $500-4,000
State and Regional Safety Net Coalition Programs
Grant support is available for community outreach programs such as hay banks, veterinary vouchers, gelding and vaccination clinics, and euthanasia support for responsible low-income horse owners. Organizations which have received an ASPCA Equine Fund grant within the past twelve months are ineligible for funding.
Award Range: $500-$4,000
The ASPCA does not offer equine grants in the following areas:
- Starting an equine rescue or sanctuary
- Education programs
- Veterinary services for an individual animal(s)
- Relocation
- Staff salaries
- Therapeutic riding programs
How to Apply
Please limit your request to one project/purpose only.
Please submit a Letter of Inquiry for all of these equine grant programs, unless otherwise indicated. If you are invited to complete the full application, please refer to the ASPCA's general requirements for a list of documentation you should submit with your grant application.
For more information, visit: