Virginia Equine Alliance
Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) is a public charity based in Warrenton, Virginia. It supports the horse breeding and horse racing industries in the Commonwealth, including through advocacy, support for racing venues, and grants to organizations involved in equine activities.
Virginia Equine Alliance at a glance
In short: Virginia Equine Alliance gave $362K across 11 grants in 2025 (avg $33K), mostly in Virginia. 18% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $362,300
- -45.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 11
- -31.3% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $32,936
- -20.1% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $32,222,530
- -4.4% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 18% first-time grantees (2 of 11, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Virginia (97% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Virginia Equine Alliance
- Contact
Mailing address: 38 Garrett Street, Warrenton, VA 20186
Phone: (540) 347-4313
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Virginia Equine Alliance funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Virginia Thoroughbred Association ($120K). Together the top 10 received $353K.
Grant Size Distribution
49 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 31 grants of 49 (63%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
VEA’s stated mission focuses on Virginia. In filing year 2025, 97% of grant dollars went to recipients in Virginia and 3% went to a recipient in New Jersey.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 11 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Virginia Equine Alliance open to new grantees?
18%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 2 of 11 grantees (18%) were first-time recipients. With only 11 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 9 points. First grants averaged $15K; repeat grants $37K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 82% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+4%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). 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 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $253K (2021) to $660K (2024). In 2025 it made 11 grants totaling $362K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Thoroughbred Association Charlottesville, VA | Promote, protect and improve the equine industry in Virginia | $120,000 |
| Virginia Gold Cup Association Warrenton, VA | Promote Steeplechase Racing in Virginia | $50,000 |
| Glenwood Park Trust Middleburg, VA | For Middleburg Infrastructure | $50,000 |
| Virginia Horse Council Richmond, VA | Promote, protect and improve the equine industry in Virginia | $25,000 |
| Virginia Thoroughbred Project Montpelier Station, VA | Support Aftercare of Retired Thoroughbred Race Horses | $25,000 |
| Virginia Harness Horse Association Saluda, VA | To Promote Organization's Mission | $20,000 |
| James River Horse Foundation Richmond, VA | Support Aftercare of Retired Thoroughbred Race Horses | $20,000 |
| Virginia Commemorations Inc Richmond, VA | To Promote Organization's Mission | $20,000 |
| Standardbred Retirement Foundation Millstone, NJ | Support Aftercare of Retired Thoroughbred Race Horses | $12,500 |
| Upperville Colt & Horse Show Inc Upperville, VA | To Support Equestrian Groups | $10,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Virginia Equine Alliance?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Amounts below are reported by filing year. VEA’s filing narrative says it also acts as an intermediary for funds paid as purses to race winners, and that transactions made on behalf of other organizations are not included in its statement of activities.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,222,530 | $40,623,195 | $44,299,474 | $362,300 | 11 | $916,878 |
| 2024 | $33,705,769 | $33,357,604 | $30,147,649 | $659,500 | 16 | $1,042,960 |
| 2023 | $25,791,232 | $28,770,169 | $31,257,795 | $472,500 | 10 | $876,860 |
| 2022 | $28,452,103 | $26,986,369 | $23,870,361 | $347,500 | 7 | $96,582 |
| 2021 | $24,647,483 | $20,710,903 | $13,932,324 | $252,750 | 5 | $124,585 |
| 2020 | $18,167,522 | $8,319,749 | $4,960,222 | $465,750 | 8 | $168,286 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
VEA’s stated mission is to sustain, promote, and expand horse breeding and horse racing in Virginia. It also seeks to support multiple venues for horse racing, advocate for legislation and regulations beneficial to horsemen, represent horsemen before state and industry bodies, and increase awareness of the industries’ economic and environmental importance.
The 2025 grants show support for organizations involved in Virginia’s thoroughbred and harness racing industries, steeplechase racing, equestrian activities, and retired racehorse aftercare. For example, the Virginia Thoroughbred Association says its mission is to promote Virginia’s thoroughbred horse industry and advocate for the industry and related agribusiness. The Virginia Harness Horse Association says it promotes harness racing and the breeding of Virginia-bred standardbreds. The Virginia Thoroughbred Project describes its work as aftercare for thoroughbred racehorses, while the James River Horse Foundation says it provides care, sanctuary, and rehabilitation for retired thoroughbreds.
Other 2025 recipients describe different activities: the Virginia Gold Cup Association says it promotes steeplechase racing and provides an environment for social recreation; Glenwood Park Trust says it provides a facility for public outdoor activities; and Virginia Commemorations says it supplements the work of Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, VEA reported 11 grants totaling $362,300. Grant amounts ranged from $9,800 to $120,000, with a median grant of $20,000. The largest awards included $120,000 to the Virginia Thoroughbred Association; $50,000 each to the Virginia Gold Cup Association and Glenwood Park Trust; and $25,000 each to the Virginia Horse Council and Virginia Thoroughbred Project.
Other grants included $20,000 each to the Virginia Harness Horse Association, James River Horse Foundation, and Virginia Commemorations; $12,500 to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation; $10,000 to Upperville Colt & Horse Show; and $9,800 to Blue Ridge Hunt Pony Club. The filing lists purposes including promoting Virginia’s equine industry and steeplechase racing, supporting retired racehorse aftercare, and covering equestrian-group, purse-award, or operational costs.
VEA states in its filing that it may request documentation from grantees about how funds were spent. If funds were not used for the stated purpose, the board may allow the recipient to retain them for general operating expenses. No application process or unsolicited-request policy is stated in the available materials.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Deborah Easter as president; John B Hannum III as executive director; Dr William H Allison as secretary/treasurer; and Dr Scott Woogen, David Ross, and Turner Kobayashi as directors.
Virginia Equine Alliance is led by John B. Hannum III, Executive Director since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 6 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
John B. Hannum III
Executive Director
Executive Director & Secretary → Executive Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$110K (2020) → $157K (2025)
Deborah Easter
President
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Ross
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott Woogen
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Turner Kobayashi
Director
New on the 2025 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William H. Allison
Secretary & Treasurer
Treasurer → Secretary & Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Amy Moore (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Susan Cooney (2022) — Director
- Former: Jill Gordon-Moore (2020–2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 $157K, to John B Hannum III (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about Virginia Equine Alliance
How much does Virginia Equine Alliance give each year?
Virginia Equine Alliance gave $362K across 11 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $660K across 16 grants.
What is Virginia Equine Alliance's typical grant size?
Virginia Equine Alliance's median grant in 2025 was $20,000, and its average grant was $32,936, across 11 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Virginia Equine Alliance that year got $15K on average.
Where does Virginia Equine Alliance give grants?
Virginia Equine Alliance gives mostly in Virginia: 97% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Richmond, VA (3 grants).
Does Virginia Equine Alliance give general operating support?
Occasionally: 9% of Virginia Equine Alliance's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 11) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Support Aftercare of Retired Thoroughbred Race Horses" (3 grants).
Who are Virginia Equine Alliance's largest grantees?
Virginia Equine Alliance's largest 2025 grantees include Virginia Thoroughbred Association ($120,000), Virginia Gold Cup Association ($50,000) and Glenwood Park Trust ($50,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 61% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Virginia Equine Alliance?
Virginia Equine Alliance reported $32.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $40.6M.
What does Virginia Equine Alliance fund?
VEA’s stated mission is to sustain, promote, and expand horse breeding and horse racing in Virginia. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Virginia Equine Alliance?
Virginia Equine Alliance has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Virginia Equine Alliance's EIN?
Virginia Equine Alliance's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 47-2280629. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 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 September 2, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 9, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS July 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS July 10, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS June 20, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 16, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Virginia Equine Alliance's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Dun Foundation
Middleburg, VA
Dun Foundation’s 2025 grants supported varied charitable organizations, including those connected with outdoor activities, wildlife and habitat, equestrian events, and education. It made 103 grants totaling $470,000, ranging from $25 to $44,500, with a median of $1,873; half of grant dollars went to Virginia, with others reaching several states. The available information does not clearly state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.0M
Grants
103
Total Given
$470K
The Seilheimer Foundation
Orange, VA
Assets
$478K
Grants
103
Total Given
$44K
The Luminescence Foundation Inc
Marshall, VA
The Luminescence Foundation funds organizations in health care and medical research, education, and animal welfare, with the largest shares of its 2024 giving going to New York, Virginia, and Minnesota. Its 56 grants ranged from $500 to $666,667, with a median of $14,925. It gives only to preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$30.9M
Grants
56
Total Given
$2.8M
Paul H Pusey Foundation
Sarasota, FL
The Paul H Pusey Foundation supports a broad range of charitable organizations, including groups focused on media, youth programs, education, food assistance, and health. Its 2025 grants ranged from $421 to $13,281, with a median award of $1,500, and went mainly to organizations in Virginia, followed by Florida, the District of Columbia, California, and New York. It accepts requests by letter with materials describing the organization’s purpose; no deadline is listed.
Assets
$3.0M
Grants
64
Total Given
$159K
Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation
Louisville, KY
Assets
$241K
Grants
51
Total Given
$63K
William M Backer Foundation Inc
Middleburg, VA
The William M Backer Foundation supports a range of causes, including environmental protection, local history, journalism, health care, housing, and charitable and religious purposes, with most funding going to Virginia organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $256,000, with a median of $2,500. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.7M
Grants
52
Total Given
$650K
More similar funders
More Funders in Virginia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Virginia Equine Alliance funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/virginia-equine-alliance-morg_ca11aff186404441bc2d3879bf9aec39
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_472280629_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Virginia Equine Alliance funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/virginia-equine-alliance-morg_ca11aff186404441bc2d3879bf9aec39},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. 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 Virginia Equine Alliance'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.
Virginia Equine Alliance down — hundreds of funders to go?