A nonprofit horse ranch is eligible for more grants than a small business ranch.
The federal government offers very few grants to assist individuals in starting a small business such as a horse ranch. However, they do offer a few grants for specific situations. Also, several states offer grants to individuals starting a business. Federal and state governments also offer loans, counseling, and other types of assistance. Established non-profit horse ranches, such as equine rescue or hippotherapy, are eligible for many federal and state grants.
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) offers this grant to organizations that assist socially disadvantaged ranchers in various ways, such as financial and farm management and marketing. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible, but for-profit ranches and farms benefit indirectly.
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program
This NIFA program focuses on supporting ranchers and farmers who have less than 10 years of experience. Individuals are not eligible to apply, but a wide range of groups are eligible, including community organizations and colleges.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
NIFA also offers the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Grant. Two focus areas for this grant are animal health and prevention of child obesity, so a non-profit ranch addressing either of these areas could apply for this grant. Equine rescue centers might consider applying, as well as any ranch with a program specifically designed to reduce childhood obesity.
Nature Based Youth Outing
Another grant that a horse ranch could apply for is the Nature Based Youth Outing. This is a grant to enable socially-disadvantaged children from the Washington, DC area to experience summer programs and activities in the country. It is sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management.
State Grants
In contrast to the federal government, many states offer grants to help small businesses start or run their business. Any small business, including a horse ranch, can apply for such grants. For example, the state of Texas offers a "Young Farmer Grant" for anyone between the ages of 18 and 46 to start a farm. The grant will match the applicant's expenditures for start-up costs.
Specialty Horse Ranches
Ranches with special programs may be eligible for related grants. For example, many private foundations (such as ASPCA, PETCO, and the Humane Society) offer grants for equine rescue farms. An equine rescue non-profit could apply for government funding as well.
Ranches offering hippotherapy may also be eligible for grants to promote their program. Hippotherapy is a method of treating movement dysfunction through "the multidimensional movement of the horse" (Reference 3). It is used to help treat children and sometimes adults with autism, cerebral palsy and other special needs, and can improve balance, coordination and social skills. A hippotherapy program could apply for grants directed at health, physical therapy, and related areas.
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