Grants Available for Horse-Related Organizations

The Maryland Horse Industry Board is offering grants to help develop new opportunities for the state’s horse industry.

The board is accepting applications until Sept. 30 for nonprofit research, educational and promotional equine activities, according to a release. There is more than $20,000 available.

“The horse industry is a critical component of Maryland’s economy,” Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance said in a release. “This grant program is one way (the board) helps spur needed innovation and encourage those most committed to the industry.”
He said there are more than 79,000 horses in Maryland, and more than 28,000 citizens employed in the equine industry.”

Funding for the grants comes from the Maryland Feed Fund, which collects $6 on every ton of horse feed sold in the state, according to a release.

Eligible groups include:

• Nonprofit organizations, clubs and associations.
• Businesses.
• Farms and stables.
• Government entities.
• Schools and educational institutions.

Projects will be evaluated for their value to the industry, degree of industry promotion, size and scope of activity, financial need, potential for matching funds, benefits and quality of the written presentation, according to a release.

The board recommends that requests not exceed $10,000.
Recipients will be announced on or before Dec. 1.

For an application and more complete grant guidelines, visti the board's website at www.mda.state.md.us/horseboard/grants.html.

Since the grant program was established in 2002, the board has awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to more than 175 projects throughout Maryland.