How to Find Money for Rescuing Horses
Starting a horse rescue can be a challenge. Raising the money needed to support the rehabilitation and on-going care of possibly abused or mistreated horses requires a strong understanding of business concepts. With regular veterinary care and expensive feed, even perfectly healthy horses can be very costly to keep. Most of the funding for horse rescues comes from private donations, sponsorships, and fund raising activities. Finding the money to care for these unwanted animals is possible with the right approach and a certain amount of creativity.
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Things You'll Need
- Budget
- Fund-raising sale items
- Collection jars
- Pamphlets
- Business cards
Instructions
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Write a clear and itemized budget for the rescue operation. Even if you are only rescuing one horse, having a clear idea of exactly how much money you require will make the process easier, say the experts at Horse Welfare Organizations.
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Speak with the owners of local feed stores, riding schools, and other horse related businesses. Ask them if you can place business cards, pamphlets, or a donation jar in their establishment.
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Contact state level horse rescue organizations or networks. According to the Equine Protection Network, these organizations can often help you find private grants that you can apply for. They may also hold large events where you can raise funds for your rescue.
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Run a table or booth at a horse event or county fair. Many events will allow you to do so for free if your rescue is a non-profit organization, and almost any fund-raising items can be sold.
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Investigate government and private grants. Most government grants require your organization to be a registered non-profit with the IRS, according to Equine Rescue News & Resources, and have a grant proposal written. They also note that many private grants are available for smaller rescues with less stringent requirements.
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Speak with local media outlets and ask for coverage for your rescue operation. Many newspapers and small news stations are more than happy to interview horse rescuers, and it can provide valuable exposure leading to private donations.
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Tips & Warnings
There are a wide variety of high quality fund-raising items, both horse themed and generic, that can be purchased at low cost. This can save a lot of time over fund-raising methods like bake sales.
Consider hosting events, such as trail rides or horse care education days, to raise money for the rescue. These can also have the added benefit of helping educate horse owners.
To lower the amount of money your rescue efforts require, ask for donations of surplus feed and supplies from other horse owners. You may also be able to solicit donations of supplies from stores and organizations that can't provide monetary support.
Do not attempt to rescue horses without a clear source of funding first. You may soon find yourself overwhelmed and unable to offer the rescued horses the care they need.
References
- Photo Credit horse image by milemarsovac from Fotolia.com
