Equine rescue organizations can get a grant to adopt a retired racehorse.
Federal and local government agencies offer funding for ovine and equine animal rescue programs. These rescue organizations provide transportation, food and shelter to abandoned or needy animals. Nonprofit sheep and horse rescue groups can apply for a grant to improve facilities, purchase equipment or cover administrative costs.
USDA Community Facility Grants Program
The Department of Agriculture allocates funds for the Community Facility Grants Program. A Community Facility Grant provides money to construct, expand or improve ovine and equine shelters. To qualify for a grant, the organization must be located in a town with less than 20,000 in population. Grants cover up to 75 percent of the project costs. Organizations that serve low-income communities or small communities with populations of 5,000 or less are given a priority during the application process.
American Humane Association
The American Humane Association has several grant programs that help support animal rescue organizations, including ovine and equine groups. The Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant provides up to $4,000 toward capital campaigns, building improvements and equipment purchases. The Second Chance Fund provides $2,000 to rescue groups that provide temporary shelter to animals as they are prepared for adoption. Individuals, businesses and corporations are not eligible for the Second Chance Program. The Red Star Emergency Grant helps animal rescue shelters make emergency repairs to their facility.
State Programs
The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund provides funding for the the Goat and Sheep Diversification Program. Ovine animal rescue farms can apply for a grant to improve handling facilities, purchase equipment or make a barn conversion for sheep. The maximum grant for handling equipment per farm is $2,000. The farm must make a 50 percent matching contribution from its own resources. The Arizona Department of Racing provides funding and oversight for the Adoption of Retired Racehorses Program. Grants are given to nonprofit equine rescue organizations to adopt retired racehorses. To apply for a grant, the nonprofit must show proof of nonprofit status, a description of its organization, intended use of grant funds, certification of affiliation with a racetrack that conducts horse racing and details of the adoption and monitoring process for retired racehorses.
Emergency Animal Rescue Services
Many local governments provide emergency animal rescue services to residents themselves during times of need, such as natural disasters. This often includes funding volunteers to handle the workload. Los Angeles County provides funding for the Los Angeles County Equine Response Team. Experienced volunteers help evacuate horses and other large animals during emergency situations.
Tags: rescue organizations, animal rescue, apply grant, Community Facility, provides funding, adopt retired, American Humane