March 2023 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN March 2023 Page 63 Brooke USA and the EQUUS Foundation have established the Brooke USA Bridge Grant Program to support equine charities in the United States in desperate need of financial support brought on by unplanned and/or unexpected circumstances. Micro-grants ranging between $500 and $1,000 are meant to provide respite to the grantee while other options are considered. The program offers emergency relief in three areas: 1) veterinary care, 2) dental care, and/or 3) farrier care. Grants are provided on a rolling basis and are available on a first come, first served basis. “During and after the pan- demic, we helped approximately 40 US charities navigate the decline in fundraising income and the increase in need due to equine abandonment. We learned that a little support goes a long way and have decided to continue the program which will be managed by the EQUUS Foundation, the premier national equine wel- fare organization in the United States,” said Emily Dulin, Chief Executive Officer of Brooke USA. "We applaud Brooke USA's global efforts to improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules and their trust in the EQUUS Founda- tion by funding an emergency relief fund for US-based equine charities and helping to provide a lifeline to horses at-risk due to an unexpected crisis,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President. A total of $10,000 will be available in 2023 although Brooke USA may from time to time increase the funds made available. Funds are limited to the yearly donation made by Brooke USA Foundation to the EQUUS Foundation. Selections will be made by a committee of EQUUS Foundation and Brooke USA representatives. Only US-based equine charities that find homes for at-risk equines and equines in transition, provide a safe haven for aged equines, and/or in- crease opportunities for equines to engage, inspire and empower people and that have attained the EQUUS Foundation Guard- ian designation are eligible to apply. To apply, the EQUUS Foundation Guardian will need to log into its organization profile, select “BROOKE USA BRIDGE GRANTS”, and complete the online application. Applicants must address how the funds will be used, and within six months of receipt of funds, grantees must report on the use of the funds, including bills for services rendered. Visit equusfoundation.org/ emergency for more informa- tion. Equine Welfare Micro-grants Available to Nonprofits