LEXINGTON, Ky. – Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) announced today that grants totaling $689,414 have been awarded to 69 approved Thoroughbred industry-related non-profits that work to uphold TCA’s mission. Additionally, $73,165 was expended from the Horses First Fund within the organization’s last fiscal year to aid in natural disaster relief efforts, bringing total support provided to nearly $762,580. Grant recipients from the last three years can be found on www.tca.org.
TCA distributes grants to several categories of Thoroughbred-related nonprofits including retirement, rehabilitation and rehoming organizations; backstretch and farm employee programs; equine-assisted therapy programs; and research organizations. Grants are provided to organizations that successfully meet the criteria set forth in TCA’s annual grant application. Grant applications for the 2019 grant cycle will be available in early January.
The Horses First Fund was established by LNJ Foxwoods in June 2016 in support of horse rescue efforts in Mercer County, Kentucky. To date, the Horses First Fund has expended nearly $100,000 in emergency relief for Thoroughbreds and their caretakers.
“Our grants and aid would not be possible without the generous support of our donors,” said Erin Crady executive director of TCA. “Our donors make our work possible and for that we are extremely grateful. We are also very proud of our 2018 approved grant recipients who work tirelessly on behalf of Thoroughbreds and backstretch and farm workers. We appreciate and applaud their tremendous efforts.”
TCA president Mike McMahon followed, “I am particularly proud of our board, our staff, and our relationship with TOBA. TCA is a very agile force for good in the industry. As the only organization that supports approved aftercare, equine-assisted therapy and Thoroughbred incentive organizations, health and human service initiatives for backstretch and farm workers, and emergency relief efforts for Thoroughbreds in need, TCA is able to provide our industry with a safety net for both horses and people.”
TCA’s mission is to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers, by supporting qualified repurposing and retirement organizations and by helping the people who care for them. TCA distributes grants to several categories of Thoroughbred-related nonprofits including rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming and retirement organizations; backstretch and farm employee programs; equine-assisted therapy programs; and research organizations. Since its inception in 1990, TCA has granted over $23 million to more than 200 charities. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).
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