MHC Direct Funding Program

Purpose: The Minnesota Horse Council Direct Funding Program funds non-profit horse-related organizations to help cover expenses of programs or activities that advance the goals of the Minnesota Horse Council.

Geographic Scope: Minnesota

Eligibility

• Applicant Type: Non-profit horse-related organizations only
• Frequency: Organizations can only receive funding once per year
• Restrictions: Cannot apply if also requesting funding from the MHC GRANTS program

Appropriate Projects

• Offering clinics, seminars, and speakers open to the public
• Producing brochures, videos, web pages, signs for starting new programs
• Purchasing equipment or supplies for special projects

NOT Appropriate Projects

• Activities benefiting individuals, individual businesses, or only club members
• Typical operating expenses or annual awards of a club
• Projects also requesting MHC Grants funding

Application Timeline

• Deadline: No specific deadline; rolling basis
• Processing: Goal is to complete evaluation and send acceptance/rejection letter within 30 days of receipt (FAQ states 14 days)
• Payment: Normally paid after project completion
• Duration: Awards must be used within 6 months

Requirements

• Acknowledgment: MHC must be acknowledged at event and in promotional materials
• Reporting: Written report due within 4 weeks including attendance numbers, pictures, handouts, planned follow-up
• Membership: Not required to be MHC member to apply

Contact

• Email: info@mnhorsecouncil.org
• Phone: 763-755-7729
• Address: P.O. Box 96, Monticello, MN 55362

Application Process

Two submission methods available:

1. Online Form: Fill out the form on the website and upload required documents
2. PDF Application: Complete PDF form and email to MHC

Required Documents

• AHC Welfare Code of Practice (signed)
• Legal Nonprofit Status Statement signed by an officer stating:
  • Organization is non-profit (IRS status, MN Secretary of State registration, or bylaws if unincorporated)
  • Activities open to all people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, etc.
  • Extensive documentation not required; simple officer statement acceptable

Required Form Fields

1. Organization name
2. Contact person name
3. Contact email
4. Contact phone
5. Mailing address of organization
6. Project description with publicization plan
7. Project/event location
8. Project/event dates
9. Funding amount requested (maximum $500 with specific expenses listed)
10. How MHC will be acknowledged at event and how results will be reported
11. Legal nonprofit status document
12. AHC Welfare Code of Practice (signed)

FAQs on Application

• Keeping clinic profits: Yes, allowed if expected profits less than $200
• What MHC expects in return: Credit/sponsorship acknowledgment and written report within 4 weeks with attendance numbers, pictures, handouts, follow-up plans
• Timeline: Anytime (no specific timetable)
• Response time: Goal of 14 days for evaluation and response
• Payment timing: Normally after event completion when expenses submitted