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.

Geographic Scope: Minnesota

History: 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

Project Examples

• Horse shows
• Club/association dinners
• Organized trail rides
• Fundraisers
• Multi-clinician educational clinics
• Improvements to MN State Fairgrounds

NOT Funded

• 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

Eligibility Restrictions

• 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

Contact

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

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

Application Strategy Tips

• 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