American Quarter Horse Foundation
The American Quarter Horse Foundation is a public charity based in Amarillo, Texas. Formed in 1975, it supports programs intended to preserve the American Quarter Horse’s legacy and advance the well-being of the horse and its community.
American Quarter Horse Foundation at a glance
In short: American Quarter Horse Foundation gave $475K across 17 grants in 2025 (avg $28K), top state Texas. 29% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $474,657
- +200.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 17
- +142.9% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $27,921
- +23.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $18,733
- Total assets
- $78,259,679
- +8.9% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 29% first-time grantees (5 of 17, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Texas (41% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to American Quarter Horse Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 32111, Amarillo, TX 79120
Phone: (806) 376-5181
Website: https://aqha.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who American Quarter Horse Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of Georgia Research Foundation ($79K). Together the top 10 received $407K.
Grant Size Distribution
56 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 47 grants of 56 (84%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, Texas accounted for 41% of grant dollars, followed by Georgia at 17%, Kentucky at 9%, California at 7%, and Tennessee at 6%. These figures describe the locations of 2025 grant recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 17 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is American Quarter Horse Foundation open to new grantees?
29%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 5 of 17 grantees (29%) were first-time recipients. With only 17 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $20K; repeat grants $31K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $21K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $158K (2024) to $475K (2025). In 2025 it made 17 grants totaling $475K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia Research Foundation Athens, GA | Equine Research | $78,871 |
| Texas A&M Agrilife Research College Station, TX | Equine Research | $61,320 |
| American Quarter Horse Association Amarillo, TX | Program Reimbursement | $55,441 |
| Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX | Equine Research | $46,667 |
| University of Kentucky Lexington, KY | Equine Research | $43,915 |
| University of California Davis Los Angeles, CA | Equine Research | $33,486 |
| University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN | Equine Research | $26,667 |
| North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC | Equine Research | $23,306 |
| Montana State University Bozeman, MT | Equine Research | $18,733 |
| Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX | Equine Research | $18,655 |
Ready to take the next step with American Quarter Horse Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,259,679 | $7,735,820 | $2,847,931 | $474,657 | 17 | $4,500,276 |
| 2024 | $71,872,707 | $11,932,105 | $2,342,348 | $157,942 | 7 | $4,520,927 |
| 2023 | $56,783,133 | $6,808,098 | $2,296,874 | $282,158 | 12 | $1,076,371 |
| 2022 | $47,790,954 | $2,524,277 | $2,494,106 | $333,263 | 11 | $485,825 |
| 2021 | $55,629,992 | $10,207,554 | $3,209,605 | $300,706 | 9 | $8,952,654 |
| 2020 | $50,441,925 | $2,917,052 | $2,781,642 | $224,703 | 7 | $1,701,675 |
| 2019 | $49,071,282 | $4,761,941 | $3,251,898 | $298,420 | 12 | $2,749,447 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation states that it connects horses and people through charitable giving to preserve the horse’s legacy and further the well-being of the American Quarter Horse family. Its filing describes funding basic and applied research, education, scholarships, equine-assisted services, and the Hall of Fame and Museum. The Foundation’s website says it has awarded more than $13 million to colleges and universities for equine management and health research since 1960.
Its 2025 grants included equine research at universities, a program reimbursement to the American Quarter Horse Association, and equine-assisted services. The American Quarter Horse Association describes its own mission as preserving the breed’s pedigree and integrity, protecting its welfare, promoting its versatility, and encouraging lifelong enjoyment of the breed. Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs describes its work as providing activities to promote the physical, emotional, and psychological health of people with special needs. Stable Strides Farm describes itself as an equine therapy program serving children and adults with special needs.
The Foundation’s filing says its scholarships empower AQHA members through educational opportunities and leadership development. It reported paying 150 scholarships in the year ending September 30, 2025. Its website says scholarship eligibility varies by award and that selection considers academic achievement, financial need, Quarter Horse involvement, leadership, and communication skills; a selection subcommittee or task force makes recommendations for Board approval.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Foundation reported 17 grants totaling $474,657. Grant amounts ranged from $6,253 to $78,871, with a median of $18,733. Its largest grants included $78,871 to the University of Georgia Research Foundation for equine research, $61,320 to Texas A&M AgriLife Research for equine research, $55,441 to the American Quarter Horse Association for program reimbursement, and $46,667 to Texas Tech University for equine research.
Other reported 2025 grants included $43,915 to the University of Kentucky, $33,486 to the University of California Davis, $26,667 to the University of Tennessee, $23,306 to North Carolina State University, $18,733 to Montana State University, $18,655 to Tarleton State University, $15,000 to Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs, and $11,800 to Colorado State University. The research grants were designated for equine research; the Great Oak grant was for equine-assisted services.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jeff Tebow as president from March 2025, after serving as first vice president through that month. Jim Brinkman became first vice president in March 2025, after serving as second vice president through that month; Lori Bucholz became second vice president in March 2025. The filing lists Catherine Nicholas, Larry Bell, Kathy Headley, and Daniel Henson as appointed trustees, and Ross Roark and Randy Ratliff as trustees. James Hunt served as president through March 2025.
American Quarter Horse Foundation is led by James Hunt, President since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 13 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
James Hunt
President
Board of Trustees Member → 2nd Vice President, 2022
2nd Vice President → President, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Catherine Nicholas
Appointed Trustee
Appointed Board of Trustee → Appointed Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Larry Bell
Appointed Trustee
Appointed Board of Trustee → Appointed Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathy Headley
Appointed Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Daniel Henson
Appointed Trustee
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ross Roark
Trustee
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Randy Ratliff
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christine Sitz
COO & Secretary
Chief Foundation Officer → COO & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2022
55 hrs/week
$134K (2022) → $187K (2025)
Jim Brinkman
2nd Vice President
Board of Trustees Member → 2nd Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Karl Stressman
Executive Vice President
Chief Executive Officer → Executive Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andrew Barbe
CFO & Treasurer
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lori Bucholz
2nd Vice President
Board Member → 2nd Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Tebow President
1st Vice President
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (19)
- Former: Kenneth Banks (2019–2024) — President
- Former: Robin Merrill (2019–2024) — Appointed Trustee
- Former: James HuntPresFrom (2024) — 1st Vice President
- Former: Jeff Tebow1st VPFrom (2024) — 2nd Vice President
- Former: Jim Brinkman2nd VPFrom (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Aaron Bovos (2019–2023) — Former CFO & Treasurer
- Former: Scott Myers (2019–2023) — President
- Former: Jeff Tebow (2021–2023) — 2nd Vice President
- Former: James Hunt1st VPfrom (2023) — 2nd Vice President
- Former: Kenneth BanksPresfrom (2023) — 1st Vice President
- Former: Craig Huffines (2019–2022) — Executive Vice President
- Former: Norm Luba (2019–2022) — President
- Former: Robert Pierce (2019–2022) — General Counsel
- Former: Anna Morrison (2019–2021) — Chief Foundation Officer & CIO
- Former: Floyd E. Butch Wise (2019–2021) — President
- Former: Stan Weaver (2019–2020) — President
- Former: Caroline Rogers (2020) — Director of Development
- Former: James Heird (2019) — President
- Former: Trenton Taylor (2019) — Former Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $187K, to Christine Sitz (COO & Secretary).
Frequently asked questions about American Quarter Horse Foundation
How much does American Quarter Horse Foundation give each year?
American Quarter Horse Foundation gave $475K across 17 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $158K across 7 grants.
What is American Quarter Horse Foundation's typical grant size?
American Quarter Horse Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $18,733, and its average grant was $27,921, across 17 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from American Quarter Horse Foundation that year got $20K on average.
Where does American Quarter Horse Foundation give grants?
American Quarter Horse Foundation's top state is Texas, with 41% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Georgia (17%) and Kentucky (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (2 grants).
Does American Quarter Horse Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 17 grants with a stated purpose on American Quarter Horse Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Equine Research" (13 grants) and "Equine Assisted Services" (3 grants).
Who are American Quarter Horse Foundation's largest grantees?
American Quarter Horse Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include University of Georgia Research Foundation ($78,871), Texas A&M Agrilife Research ($61,320) and American Quarter Horse Association ($55,441), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 41% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is American Quarter Horse Foundation?
American Quarter Horse Foundation reported $78.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $7.7M.
What does American Quarter Horse Foundation fund?
The Foundation states that it connects horses and people through charitable giving to preserve the horse’s legacy and further the well-being of the American Quarter Horse family. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from American Quarter Horse Foundation?
American Quarter Horse Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check aqha.com for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is American Quarter Horse Foundation's EIN?
American Quarter Horse Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 51-0187823. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 28, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 12, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 22, 2026)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 20, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 11, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 29, 2024)
Live grants for the work American Quarter Horse Foundation funds
Environment & Animals Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in American Quarter Horse Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Tulsa Community Foundation
Tulsa, OK
Tulsa Community Foundation supports charitable causes through donor-advised grants and selected funds, including scholarships, emergency assistance, disaster relief, arts and humanities, healthcare, and financial literacy, primarily in the Tulsa metro area and eastern Oklahoma, with some giving elsewhere in the United States. Its 2024 median grant was $18,560; selected field-of-interest funds have application cycles, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
1,066
Total Given
$158.6M
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University funds a broad range of education, research, health, and community-related work, with 2025 grants ranging from $5,500 to nearly $95 million and a median of $100,000; many of the largest awards were sub-awards. Its grants went to organizations across the U.S., with the largest shares in California and Maryland, and the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$25.3B
Grants
813
Total Given
$594.1M
National 4-H Council
Washington, DC
National 4-H Council funds education and positive youth development through 4-H, including STEM, career readiness, healthy living, and civic engagement programs, often supporting universities and state 4-H foundations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,971 to $647,151, with a median of $45,661, and went to recipients in multiple states; its programming reaches nationwide. The grant opportunities described are offered through requests for proposals, so unsolicited requests are not stated as accepted.
Assets
$140.7M
Grants
89
Total Given
$7.4M
Morris Animal Foundation
Denver, CO
Morris Animal Foundation funds research to improve the health of dogs, cats, horses, wildlife, and some other animals, including studies of diagnostics, treatments, and cures. Its 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $1.85 million, with a median of $129,125, and it supports projects worldwide. It accepts research proposals through its RFP process; applications are submitted through SmartSimple.
Assets
$123.3M
Grants
24
Total Given
$4.7M
American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation
Raleigh, NC
The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation funds canine health research, health-information sharing, and specialized veterinary training; its 2025 research grants had a median award of about $171,000, with amounts ranging from about $13,000 to $367,000. Eligible researchers internationally may apply, and the foundation describes applications through specific RFPs, starting with a pre-proposal; full proposals are by invitation.
Assets
$41.8M
Grants
17
Total Given
$2.7M
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Northwestern University funds research and community organizations, along with selected programs in community health, transportation research, and investigative journalism. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $7.7 million, with a median of about $73,000; grants went largely to U.S. recipients, especially in Illinois, and its ANCHOR program focuses on Evanston and Chicago. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$20.8B
Grants
383
Total Given
$133.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in Texas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). American Quarter Horse Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/american-quarter-horse-foundation-morg_cd922d478400447d9b284aabe77c448f
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_510187823_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{American Quarter Horse Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/american-quarter-horse-foundation-morg_cd922d478400447d9b284aabe77c448f},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-21. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from American Quarter Horse Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
American Quarter Horse Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?