Illinois Equine Rescue Grants

Finding grant money for Illinois equine rescues can be difficult, but well worth the effort. Most equine rescue grants are not state specific, so looking outside of a rescue's own state can be beneficial. Grant organizations set different criteria for their grants, so it pays to research their guidelines before submitting an application.

  1. Illinois Equine Research and Protection Board

    • The Illinois Equine Research and Protection Board (EPB) awarded more than $83,000 in grants in 2009. EPB was established by the Legislature to self-fund equine projects in Illinois. The board is made up of 12 members who represent a cross section of the Illinois equine industry. This grant is funded by the Illinois voluntary equine check-off program which, adds five cents to every 50-pound bag of horse feed sold retail. Any group or person may apply for EPB grant dollars, but preference is given to the projects that help the largest number of horses and people.

      EPB Administrative Office
      3085 Stevenson Drive
      Suite 308
      Springfield, IL 62703
      217-585-1600

    ASPCA Equine Fund

    • The ASPCA equine fund offers several grants to non- profit equine rescue operations in all states, including Illinois. These funds are generally given to support equine rescues that have a proven track record of professionalism in fund raising, keeping their website updated and exemplary horse care. While they do not have a limit on grant amounts, most awards are between $500 and $3,000. Grants cannot exceed 10 percent of a rescue's current operating budget. The ASPCA may require an on-site visit before or after the grant is made. The group prefers to award grant money to equine rescues that focus on ending the suffering of abandoned or cruelly treated horses, donkeys and mules. Equine fund grants for hay, feed and veterinary services are limited to large seizures or impounds of 24 horses or more. To apply for this grant, visit the ASPCA website (aspca.com).

    Thoroughbred Charities of America

    • Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) is the charity division of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. TCA grants money to equine rescues that rescue and rehabilitate thoroughbred horses. According to the TCA website, its mission statement is to provide a better life for thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers by supporting retirement, rescue and research and by helping the people who work with them. This grant is available to rescues in any state that rescue and rehabilitate thoroughbred horses. In 2009 TCA granted over $880,000. Over the past 19 years, TCA has granted more than $16 million to over 200 organizations in 38 states. For more information on applying for TCA grant, visit thoroughbredcharities.org.