MHC Grants
Funding Amount
Up to $7,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
MHC Grants
Purpose: The Minnesota Horse Council provides financial support to a variety of equine-related endeavors through grants for new projects, program expansions, or capital improvements by Minnesota horse groups. This creates lasting impact for Minnesota horse people.
Award Amount: Up to $7,000
Geographic Scope: Minnesota
History: Established in 1991 with formalized annual process. Over $1,326,661 awarded through 368 grants since inception.
Funding Source: Revenue from Minnesota Horse Expo
Program Goals
1. Support clubs, associations, and organizations in keeping with MHC mission 2. Promote MHC to Minnesota horse people and increase awareness of MHC programs 3. Obtain more memberships by having membership sign-ups at events- Horse shows
- Club/association dinners
- Organized trail rides
- Fundraisers
- Multi-clinician educational clinics
- Improvements to MN State Fairgrounds
Project Examples
- Permanent improvements to private property (movable equipment/improvements may be considered)
- Underground utilities/infrastructure (e.g., underground wiring)
- Normal operating expenses
- Feed, vet, and farrier costs
- Website annual fees and monthly charges
- Projects benefiting only private club members
- New applications within 3 years of receiving a grant
NOT Funded
- 3-Year Waiting Period: Organizations cannot reapply until 3 years after receiving a grant (e.g., grant awarded Oct 2006 = cannot apply until Oct 2009)
- Public Benefit: Projects should benefit broader Minnesota horse community, not just individual members
- Funding Match: Must address how remaining project costs will be funded beyond MHC grant
Eligibility Restrictions
- Email: info@mnhorsecouncil.org
- Phone: 763-755-7729
- Address: P.O. Box 96, Monticello, MN 55362
Contact
How to Apply
Application Requirements
Application available for download on website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Will Not Disqualify But Hurt Competitiveness)
1. Vague funding amounts: Specify exact dollar amount requested
2. Excessive background material: Focus on specific project details, not club history/bylaws
3. Permanent improvements to private property: Only movable/temporary improvements funded; long-term lease arrangements considered
4. Vague description of people served: Provide approximate numbers (e.g., "100 horse exhibitors," "25 riders in program") but avoid exaggeration
5. Requesting normal operating expenses: Grants are for new projects or expansions only, not ongoing costs
6. Projects benefiting only club members: Projects should benefit broader Minnesota horse community
7. No mention of remaining funding needed: Explain where other funds will come from:
- Local fundraising plans
- Pledges from local contributors
- Plans to raise funds after grant received
- Phased project approach
- What would happen if only partial funding awarded
8. Applying too soon: Do not reapply within 3 years of receiving a grant
- Address how project will be sustainable for years to come
- Show realistic understanding of project needs
- Demonstrate backup funding sources or ability to raise remaining funds
- Provide specific beneficiary numbers
- Each year: several dozen applications requesting 3-4 times available funds
- Some worthy projects may be partially funded or declined
- Consider whether your organization could: - Complete partial project alone - Raise remaining funds needed - Match up to half the funding if you raised the other half
Application Strategy Tips
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