Setting up or running an equine therapy center can require significant financial resources, from land and facilities to staff and horses.

Fortunately, there are grants available that can help fund your equine therapy center, easing the financial burden and enabling you to provide valuable services to your community.

In this article, we will explore the types of grants available for equine therapy centers, including government grants, private foundation grants, and community funding opportunities.

Types of Grant for Equine Therapy Centers

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grants

SAMHSA provides federal grants aimed at improving mental health services and substance abuse treatment.

Equine therapy centers focusing on behavioral health or rehabilitation may qualify for these grants.

These grants often require the applicant to be a nonprofit or healthcare provider and demonstrate measurable outcomes.

Requirements for SAMHSA Grants

• Eligible Applicants

SAMHSA grants are typically available to nonprofits, state and local government agencies, tribal organizations, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations.

Equine therapy centers operating as nonprofits or in partnership with such entities may qualify.

• Program Focus

Grants focus on programs addressing mental health, substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery.

To be eligible, your equine therapy program should demonstrate how it supports behavioral health outcomes, such as reducing substance abuse, improving mental wellness, or aiding trauma recovery.

• Demonstrated Need and Impact

Applicants must show evidence of community need for mental health or substance abuse services, supported by data and research.

Proposals should outline measurable goals and outcomes that indicate how funding will benefit participants.

• Capacity and Experience

SAMHSA looks for organizations with proven ability to manage grant funds and implement effective programs.

Experience in behavioral health services or therapy-related programs strengthens your application.

• Compliance with Federal Regulations

Recipients must comply with reporting, auditing, and monitoring requirements set by SAMHSA and federal guidelines.

Application Process for SAMHSA Grants

1. Identify Funding Opportunity

Visit SAMHSA’s Grants webpage or Grants.gov to find current open solicitations related to behavioral health and substance abuse.

Review the Request for Applications (RFA) carefully for eligibility and guidelines.

2. Register Your Organization

Before applying, ensure your organization is registered with:

• SAM.gov (for federal contracting and grants)
• Grants.gov (to submit applications electronically)
• DUNS Number (Data Universal Numbering System)
• System for Award Management (SAM)
• Registration can take several weeks, so start early.

3. Prepare the Application

• Project Narrative: Describe your equine therapy program, objectives, target population, and how it addresses behavioral health needs.
• Budget: Provide a detailed budget showing how funds will be spent.
• Work Plan: Outline activities, timelines, and responsible staff.
• Evaluation Plan: Explain how you will measure and report outcomes.
• Supporting Documents: Include letters of support, proof of nonprofit status, resumes, and other required forms.

4. Submit Application

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by the specified deadline. Late or incomplete applications are generally not considered.

5. Review and Award

SAMHSA reviews applications based on criteria such as program design, capacity, budget justification, and alignment with grant goals.

Successful applicants are notified and must comply with reporting and administrative requirements.

2. The National Institute of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

For centers developing innovative equine therapy methods or technologies, the NIH SBIR program may offer research and development funding. This program supports projects that explore new therapeutic approaches.

Requirements for the NIH SBIR Program

1. Eligible Applicants

The NIH SBIR program is open to United States-based small businesses that are majority (at least 51%) owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The business must have 500 or fewer employees.

2. Innovative Health-Related Focus

The SBIR program supports innovative research and development projects with commercial potential in the health and biomedical fields.

For equine therapy centers, this could mean developing new therapeutic tools, monitoring technologies, software, or other innovations that improve mental health or rehabilitation outcomes.

3. Phased Funding Approach

The program is structured in phases:

• Phase I: Feasibility study, proof of concept, up to $150,000–$250,000 for 6–12 months.
• Phase II: Full research and development, up to $1 million for 2 years.
• Phase III: Commercialization stage, typically funded by the private sector or non-SBIR government funds.

4. Ownership and Operational Requirements

The company must be independently operated and primarily located in the U.S. Small businesses cannot subcontract more than 50% of Phase I work and must perform at least 67% of the work themselves in Phase II.

5. Compliance with Federal Regulations

Applicants must adhere to NIH’s reporting, compliance, and audit requirements if awarded.

Application Process for NIH SBIR Program

1. Identify Funding Opportunity

Regularly check the NIH SBIR/STTR funding announcements on NIH’s website or Grants.gov.

Each announcement specifies the targeted research areas, deadlines, and application instructions.

2. Register Your Business

Before applying, register your company with:

• SAM.gov
• Grants.gov
• Obtain a DUNS Number
• Register with eRA Commons (NIH’s electronic research administration system)
• Registration can take several weeks, so start well in advance.

2. Prepare the Application

• Project Summary and Specific Aims: Clearly describe your innovative research idea.
• Research Strategy: Detailed plan of experiments and methodology.
• Commercialization Plan: How will you bring the innovation to market?
• Budget Justification: Breakdown of how funds will be used.
• Biographical Sketches: Qualifications of key personnel.
• Facilities and Resources: Description of available resources to conduct research.

3. Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by the deadline. Follow NIH formatting and submission guidelines strictly.

4. Peer Review and Award

NIH applications undergo a rigorous peer-review process assessing scientific merit, innovation, and commercial potential. Successful applicants receive funding and must submit regular progress reports.

3. The American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Scholarships and Grants

The American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) occasionally provides scholarships and funding aimed at supporting certified therapy programs.

Although these grants are generally modest in size, they play a crucial role in assisting therapists and centers by helping cover essential expenses such as certification fees, training costs, or purchasing specialized equipment.

This financial support makes it easier for programs to maintain high standards and expand access to quality hippotherapy services for those in need.

Requirements

• Eligibility: Applicants typically must be professionals or students in fields like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, or equine-assisted therapy.
• Purpose: Grants and scholarships support education, training, research, and program development related to hippotherapy.
• Membership: Some opportunities may require AHA membership or affiliation.
• Documentation: Applicants often need to provide proof of enrollment, professional status, or project details.

Application Process

• Find Opportunities: Check the AHA website for current scholarships and grant announcements.
• Prepare Materials: Complete the application form, submit transcripts or proof of enrollment, letters of recommendation, and a project or study plan if required.
• Submit Application: Follow instructions carefully and meet deadlines.
• Review: Applications are reviewed by AHA committees based on merit and relevance.
• Notification: Successful applicants are notified and may need to provide progress updates or final reports.

4. The Pollination Project

The Pollination Project offers seed grants of up to $1,000 to support social change initiatives, including therapy programs that aid underserved communities.

Their application process is designed to be simple and fast, encouraging early-stage projects to apply easily.

This makes it an ideal funding source for small-scale, impactful programs seeking quick financial support to get started or expand.

Requirements

• Eligibility: Open to individuals, informal groups, and registered nonprofits globally.
• Project Stage: Must be early-stage with an annual budget under $50,000 and project costs under $10,000.
• Focus Areas: Supports initiatives in areas like health, education, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
• Exclusions: Does not fund political activities, religious proselytizing, or projects promoting animal agriculture.

Application Process

• Pre-Screen Quiz: Start by taking the quick eligibility quiz.
• Online Application: Complete the application form with details about your project, budget, and goals.
• Review: Applications are reviewed monthly by a team of volunteer grant advisors.
• Decision: Applicants are notified of decisions by the end of the following month.

5. Local Community Foundation Grants

Many local foundations offer small grants specifically aimed at health and therapy-related community projects.

These grants can provide valuable funding for program development, equipment purchases, or outreach efforts within your local area.

Since availability and criteria vary widely, it’s important to regularly check the websites of your city, county, or regional community foundations.

Staying informed about current grant opportunities can help you secure the financial support needed to grow and sustain your equine therapy or related health services.

Requirements

• Eligibility: Usually nonprofits, community organizations, or sometimes small businesses with a local focus.
• Project Focus: Must align with the foundation’s mission, often related to health, education, or community welfare.
• Documentation: May require proof of nonprofit status, a project proposal, budget, and sometimes community impact evidence.

Application Process

• Research: Visit local foundation websites to find available grants and guidelines.
• Prepare: Complete the application form, including project details, budget, and organizational info.
• Submit: Follow deadlines carefully and submit via online portals or email.
• Review: Applications are reviewed by a committee.
• Notification: Awardees are informed and may need to provide progress reports.