Cash Available from MHIB Grants!

The Maryland Horse Industry Board 2019 grant program officially begins accepting applications on August 1 for research, educational and promotional projects that support horses or the equestrian community, or develop new opportunities for the Maryland horse industry. Applications must be in hand by October 5, 2018.

Funding for these grants is provided by The Maryland Feed Fund, which collects $6 on every ton of horse feed sold in Maryland. Since The Maryland Feed Fund was established in 2002, MHIB has awarded over $450,000 in grant monies to over 320 projects throughout Maryland.

“Horses are a critical component to Maryland’s agricultural industry. The Maryland Horse Industry Board and The Feed Fund do a terrific job in helping to stimulate growth and opportunity in Maryland’s equestrian community—without using any government funding,” explains Joseph Bartenfelder, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture. “As a completely self-funded commodity marketing entity, consisting of private citizens who are stakeholders in the industry, MHIB is a model for how industry groups can help themselves, without relying on taxpayer dollars.”

Organizations eligible for MHIB grants include (but are not limited to) non-profit organizations, clubs and associations, businesses, licensed farms and stables, government entities, schools and educational institutions. Projects will be evaluated for their value to the industry, degree of industry promotion, size and scope of activity, financial need, potential for matching funds, benefits and quality of the written presentation. Grant requests should not exceed $3,000. The average grant amount is approximately $1,000. In 2018, 20 projects received $30,000 in grant allocations.

The Maryland Horse Industry Board was established in 1998 to promote and develop the equine industry in Maryland. For grant guidelines, grant applications or more information on MHIB or the Feed Fund, please visit www.mda.maryland.gov/horseboard or call Ross Peddicord, Executive Director at 410-841-5798 or email ross.peddicord@maryland.gov.