JOIN THE EQUINE WELFARE NETWORK

Charity Request

Thank you for expressing interest in joining the Equine Welfare Network. The listing is provided free of charge to eligible organizations. The listing of an organization on this site does not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the EQUUS Foundation.

The application cycle will be open from July 15 until August 15

EWN APPLICATION PROCESS WEBINAR RECORDING - CLICK HERE
Presented by Lynn Coakley, President, and Tim Williams, Program Manager

We strongly suggest you download and review the Charity Request questions here
and your prepare your answers offline, then paste in the answers.
Please note that the online Charity Request may be subject to change before July 15.

Eligibility

Please review the eligibility requirements here before completing the request.

Timetable

New Organizations:
• Between July 15 and August 15: Public charities interested in participation must submit an initial application. Once approved as a Member, the information provided by the charity will be displayed on its Equine Welfare Network profile.

Once approved as a Member:
• Between December 1 and December 31: All member public charities will need to verify the information displayed on its Equine Welfare Network profile and any additional information requested by the EQUUS Foundation. The verification process is Step One of your charity's Guardian submission.

• Between January 1 and March 31: The charity's Step One submission will be reviewed following the receipt of the veterinary assessment from the charity's veterinarian. The charity will have 10 days from the date that the charity's Step One information has been reviewed to respond to any questions arising from the review. Upon approval of the Step One information, the charity will have completed the Annual Verification process and remain on the Equine Welfare Network. At that time, the charity will also be provided with access to Step Two to complete the Guardian process.

• On or before June 30: Upon approval of the Step Two information, the charity will receive a notification by email whether the Guardian designation has been approved or deferred. Once approved, Guardians may participate in all programs, including other grant programs.

• On or before August 31: Equine Welfare Grant Recipients will be selected.

• Between September 1 and September 30: Equine Welfare Grant Recipients will be notified by email and financial support will be disbursed.

Please use proper grammar when completing this form. Check your spelling and do NOT use ALL CAPS.

Please complete all the information and press SUBMIT. We will respond back to the email of the primary contact with either 1) login instructions to complete the request, 2) a request for additional information or 3) a notification that the request to join the Equine Welfare Network has been declined.
Before proceeding, please enter your EIN (Tax Identification Number) and click CHECK EIN:     

I. Candid Profile
The EQUUS Foundation requires that the Candid seal reflecting the current year be displayed on your Candid profile.
Please copy and paste your Candid link/URL here:
NOTE: If your organization is not displaying the current year Candid seal, please do not proceed. To update your Candid profile, log in to Candid at this link - https://candid.org/. You will need to create an account if you have not already done so. Once logged in, click Update Nonprofit Profile on the top. Click EDIT under your organization's name and follow the online instructions to provide the information required to attain at least the current year Bronze seal.

II. IRS Tax Exemption Letter
The EQUUS Foundation requires that your organization provide us with your organization's IRS Tax Exemption Letter.

Only Acrobat (.pdf) files can be uploaded. Please avoid using special characters in the file name. Keep the file name short and simple.

NOTE: If your IRS Tax Determination Letter does not reflect current information about your organization, i.e., if there has been a name or address change, etc., you should request an "Affirmation" Letter from the IRS to confirm your good standing. Click this link - https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organizations-affirmation-letters - for more information.
Contact IRS by phone: 877-829-5500
Contact IRS by fax: 513-263-4330
Contact IRS by mail:
Internal Revenue Service
Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division
Customer Service
P.O. Box 2508, Room 4024
Cincinnati, OH 45201

III. General and Contact Information








State/US Territory



 
NOTE: If your organization is involved with programs other than those that are equine-related, please provide the direct link to your equine-related programs on your website above.








Note: Please ensure that your organization meets the following requirement before proceeding: The organization has operated as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity for at least two full operating years.

What was your organization's total expenses for your organization's last fiscal year? Check one:
Under $10K     $10K to $100K     $100K to $500K     $500K to $1M
$1M to $2M     $2M to $5M     $5M to $10M     $10M+
Note: Approval will be denied if the organization does not have an operating budget of at least $10,000.

What was your organization's total equine care costs for your organization's last fiscal year? Check one:
Under $10K     $10K to $25K     $25K to $35K     $35K to $50K
$50K to $100K     $100K to $150K     $150K to $250K
$250K to $500K     $500K to $1M     $1M+     Not Applicable; None
NOTE: Include only direct costs, i.e., feed, bedding, veterinary, farrier, dentist, medications, supplements, supplies, manure removal, maintenance, and transportation. DO NOT INCLUDE STAFF COSTS. If your organization pays board or pays a leasing/rental fee for the use of horses, which includes items listed above, base the answer on the total amount of the board or leasing fee.

Physical Location of Equines:
Please provide the information below where the equines in your program are primarily sheltered.
If your organization utilizes multiple facilities, please enter the information for your primary facility.
Repeat the information if the same as above.







State/US Territory



Enter the total number of facilities/locations where horses/equines used in your programs are currently cared for INCLUDING your main facility as well as support, foster, overflow and/or satellite facilities  

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities: See DEFINITIONS below.
Not applicable: Our organization DOES NOT CURRENTLY use satellite, suport, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.
Our organization CURRENTLY uses satellite, support, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization or did in the previous year.
Our organization CURRENTLY uses satellite, support, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities which adhere to their own policies, procedures and practices and which may not reflect the policies, procedures and practices of our organization, or did in the previous year.


CONTACT INFORMATION








The email address of the primary contact will serve as the login email.

IV. Purpose and Program Information
Please state your mission below limited to 50 words.



EQUINE WELFARE OVERVIEW: Please briefly describe what steps your organization takes to ensure that:
1) all interactions between your equines and people are mutually beneficial and conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions;
2) all equines in the care of the organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program have access to clean drinking water at all times, or at least twice daily; nutritious food in sufficient quantity, including natural forage such as pasture grass and/or hay; appropriate veterinary, farrier, and dental care; shelter and protection from the weather; sufficient safe space to move around comfortably on a daily basis; and daily opportunity to freely interact and have contact with other equines.


Please answer the following questions:

 1.  Which of the following best describes your organization's responsibility for the care of horses/equines:
The programs our organization conducts involve the direct use, care, and/or shelter of equines to fulfill our mission.
The mission of our organization is equine-related, but the programs we conduct do not involve the direct use, care or shelter of equines to fulfill our mission.

2. Are any of these equines involved with any mounted and/or unmounted programs and activities? Please select Yes or No.   

 3-a.  Does your organization provide Equine Transition Services - specific programs involved with horse rescue, foster care, rehabilitation, adoption, re-homing, and/or retirement?
Please select Yes or No.   
Answer YES only if your organization conducts a specific program or programs aimed at the rescue, adoption, re-homing, and/or retirement of horses in transition that is clearly defined on your website. Answer NO unless your organization meets the criteria above even if your organization has adopted "rescued" horses or "rescued" horses participate in your EAS and/or Outreach programs.

 3-b.  If yes, select one answer below that describes the primary activity of your organization.
           

 4.  Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? Please select Yes or No.   

5.  Does your organization provide Outreach and/or public education programs? Please select Yes or No.   
*Before answering this question, click here to review the EQUUS Foundation definition of OUTREACH.

6. Has your organization ever made, or would consider making, equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine? Please answer Other if equines have been or would be considered for use in research or medical training that does NOT involve invasive or painful procedures; otherwise, please answer Yes or No.   

6-b. If you answered YES or Other, please list ALL circumstances and explain for what purpose equines have ever been or would be considered for use in research or medical training including research or medical training that involved invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine.


7. Has your organization ever sold, donated or given an equine to an auction or ever allowed, or would consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter? Please answer Yes or No.   

   7-b. If YES, describe the circumstances whereby your organization sold, donated or gave an equine to an auction that caused or allowed the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter or the circumstances whereby your organization would consider allowing an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.


8. Are your organization's underlying beliefs and philosophies religious in nature; and/or does your organization promote religious education, religious purposes, or a specific religious faith or use donations for religious education or religious purposes; require participants to be of a certain faith; require participation in religious, instruction, activities or services; or require participation in prayer, worship, religious instruction or other religious activities as a condition of receiving social or secular services offered? Please answer Yes or No.   

   8-b. If YES, please provide a detailed explanation:


9. What percent of your total programs and services are equine-related? If your organization is only involved with equine-related programs, enter 100 for 100%:
100%    90-99%    75-89%    50-74%    25-49%    Under 25%

10. Does your organization operate programs involved with animals other than equines or programs, services, or activities that are not equine-related ? Please answer Yes or No.   

   10-b. If YES, please describe the programs. Otherwise, leave this answer blank.


V. Petitions and Certifications
I hereby petition the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., to accept the organization named in this request as a charity member on the Equine Welfare Network.
I certify that I have the authority to make this petition and that the representations made in this request are truthful and accurate and that I will notify the EQUUS Foundation in writing if any of the statements affirmed in this request become untrue or inaccurate.
I further certify that the organization operates in compliance with the following business and equine welfare practices:
I. Business Practices
The organization is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as tax-exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) to which contributions are tax deductible pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 170(c)(2) as a public charity and the organization is not a private foundation and the organization must be located in the United States or in a territory of the United States.
The organization has operated as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity for at least two full operating years.
The organization conducts publicity and promotional activities based upon its actual program and operations, and that these activities are truthful and non-deceptive, include all material facts, and make no exaggerated or misleading claims.
The organization has a presence on the internet, i.e., a unique domain/url address that clearly defines its equine programs and ensure that the content displayed is kept current and based on actual programs and operations. A Facebook page is not acceptable.
The organization effectively uses funds contributed for its announced purposes.
The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, disability, handicap, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
The organization maintains its Candid profile annually with the required minimum information to display the Candid seal reflecting the current year.
The organization operates in full compliance with local, state and federal laws, statutes, regulations, and ordinances.
The organization abides by the EQUUS Foundation Code of Conduct.
The organization prepares and submits to the IRS a complete copy of the organization's IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N in accordance with IRS regulations that is no more than two (2) years old.
The organization prepares an annual financial statement.
The organization's total expenses are at least $10,000, such that 5% of the organization's total expenses exceeds $500.
The organization tracks its direct equine costs in writing.
The organization's programs and activities are directed by an active and responsible governing body.
The governing body of the organization consists of at least three voting members.
The governing body of the organization meets at least annually and preferably quarterly.
The organization has a written conflict of interest policy that ensures that any compensated board member is a NON-VOTING (Independent) board member or that any compensated board member or any board member related to a compensated staff member, independent contractor, or any related board members, or any individual or organization that might benefit from a board decision, abstains from voting on issues impacting such compensation and requires officers, directors or trustees, and key employees to disclose at least annually in writing interests that could give rise to conflicts. The organization may be required to provide its written conflict of interest policy and the signed Conflict of Interest statements of its board members
The organization carries General Liability Insurance and may be requested to provide a Certificate of Insurance.
The organization attests in writing annually to the accuracy of its information displayed on the EQUUS Foundation Equine Welfare Network.

II. Equine Welfare Practices
The organization provides or conducts real services, benefits, assistance, or program activities involving equines in the United States.
The organization must provide programs that involve one or more of the following:
a - Shelter and rehabilitation for America's equines subjected to abuse and neglect, and at risk for slaughter
b - Retraining and re-homing of America's equines in transition with careers as athletes, companions, teachers, and healers
c - Peaceful and humane retirement and end of life for aged equines that ensures that they are able to live out their lives in comfort and with dignity
d - Mutually beneficial opportunities for people and equines to partner for the purpose of contributing positively to cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being
The organization has practices in place to ensure that all equines in the care of the organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program have access to clean drinking water at all times; nutritious food in sufficient quantity, including natural forage such as pasture grass and/or hay; appropriate veterinary, farrier, and dental care; shelter and protection from the weather; and sufficient safe space for equines to move around comfortably and where equines have contact with other equines.
The organization has practices in place to ensure that all equines in the care of the organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program are afforded immediate veterinary care if known or suspected to have an injury, accidental or deliberate, or exhibiting such signs as shock, colic, founder, tremors, swelling, broken bones, open wounds, inability to eat or drink, blistering as a result of fire, acid, etc., irregular or abnormal breathing, partial or total paralysis, abnormal discharge or bleeding, signs of disease, severe parasitic infestation or infection, loss of appetite, weight loss, abnormal skin condition or hair loss, temperature fluctuation, persistent diarrhea, inability to bear weight on a limb or lameness, or other such signs.
The organization conducts programs involving at least three equines.
Equines involved with the organization's programs are cared for or sheltered at one or more facilities.
The organization does not engage in any activity that disregards the welfare of animals of any kind, causes an animal to feel pain or fear, exploits or harms an animal to benefit the organization, or willfully slaughters an animal to benefit the organization.
The organization has not made and would not consider making equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine.
The organization abides by the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions.
The organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of the organization that participates in the organization's programs.
The organization adheres to a policy which does not permit euthanasia of equines on the sole basis of needing space.
The organization has a practice in place that an equine will be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored.
The organization has a practice in place to euthanize an equine upon the recommendation of the veterinarian that the equine is a threat/danger to itself, other equines, other animals or people after all other remedies have been explored, excluding if, upon the recommendation of the veterinarian, the only remaining remedy is isolation from other equines, animals, and people, and that the safety of other equines, animals and people can be guaranteed.
Disposal of the carcass is handled in accordance with local guidelines.
Prior to a horse (equine) being accepted and/or arriving at the organization, if health records are not available or are out-of-date, either the owner will have appropriate vaccinations administered, or the organization will have its veterinarian administer appropriate vaccinations.
Following the equine's arrival, the organization has its veterinarian or a trained staff member conduct a physical exam upon the equine's arrival to include temperature, pulse and respiration or the organization requires a health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival be provided to the organization attesting to the health status of the equine.
An organization that conducts programs where riding is or will be a key component has a mechanism in place to assess the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine to include but not limited to evaluating the limitations at least annually and maintaining a written record for each equine that documents the results of each evaluation of weight-carrying and workload limitations.
Vaccinations are administered at least annually by the veterinarian or a trained staff member
All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury.
All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury.
The organization has access to equine transportation in the case of an emergency.
To ensure that an equine is free of contagious diseases on arrival, the organization adheres to a practice that either 1) quarantines an equine for a minimum of 7 days if the equine is arriving from a facility with minimal perceived risk or 21 days if the equine is arriving from a facility of unknown risk or 2) requires that a health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival is provided to the organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine attesting to the health status of the equine.
The organization has a mechanism in place to ensure that sick, affected, and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines, and that all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent spread of disease by humans, equipment, and/or disposal of potentially contaminated substances.
The organization operates in compliance with the biosecurity guidelines of the organization's veterinarian.
The organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by the state, local authorities, and/or our organization's veterinarian.
The organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) and emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information are conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations.
Human and equine First Aid kits easily accessible.
There is adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas, wiring is inaccessible to equines, and electrical systems and fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) are maintained for safety.
All equines are visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility at least 4-5 days each week.
Dental care for all equines is provided at least annually and when an issue arises.
Water sources, i.e., buckets, troughs, automatic waterers, etc. are kept clean, free of contaminants, debris and chemicals, protected from weather and other animals, and positioned or affixed to minimize spillage and clean, potable water is available to each equine at all times.
Equines are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to the equine's age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and any health issues, consisting of nutritious food provided in sufficient quantity and access to adequate natural forage, or be fed daily, or as recommended by the organization's veterinarian.
Feed, supplements and hay types are clearly labeled.
The area(s) where hay, feed, grain, and supplements are stored are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals in rodent-proof and mold-proof containers and grain bins.
The feed chart is centrally located and updated as needed.
Staff and volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly.
The organization maintains or, as immediate access onsite or offsite to at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings, and medications in the event of an emergency at its facility or facilities where the organization's equines are cared for and sheltered.
Shelters for equines have a roof, are kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects, and debris, provide protection from inclement weather conditions (i.e., wind, sleet, rain, snow, and temperature extremes) allow equines to lie down, stand up and turn around, have adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12" above the tip of the equine's ear) when standing, have good drainage and traction and have an adequate ventilation and circulation system in place to allow free flow of air to control temperature, and humidity, and to prevent air stagnation.
The organization has not allowed, and would not consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
If an organization re-homes equines for any reason, the organization requires that all potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between the potential adopter/purchaser; such contract must state or reflect that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
It is the position of the EQUUS Foundation that including this verbiage in the agreement reflects the shared recognition of the organization and the adopter that equines continue to be inhumanely 'slaughtered' and the shared commitment of the organization and the adopter to ensure that the equine be protected from slaughter for his or her lifetime.
1. This statement is not required to be included in the organization's re-homing agreement if the organization:
a - retains ownership of re-homed equine;
b - requires that the re-homed equine CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances and must be returned to the organization should the adopter no longer wish to, or cannot, care for the equine;
For an agreement to be binding on any future adopter, the agreement must include a statement that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, the organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason AND include the following statement below:
This agreement shall remain in effect until the death of the equine. The terms of this agreement are binding on any future adopter or any third-party person or entity taking possession of the equine and this agreement must be incorporated as an addendum to any future agreement.
The agreement may also include the statement: Any future adopter or any third-party person or entity taking possession of the equine must re-sign an agreement with our organization prior to the equine being placed into the possession of any future adopter or any third-party person or entity.
The organization acknowledges that approval may be denied if the organization has been investigated by any animal control or protection authority - federal, state or local - depending on when the investigation was conducted as well as the circumstances and outcome of the investigation.
For organizations that conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS), until such time there is consensus in the EAS community on terminology and enforcement of guidelines for conducting EAS, the organization conducts its EAS programs in compliance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines for Conducting Equine Assisted Services.
For organizations that conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS), the organization operates in compliance with the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) Equine Guidelines on care, training and welfare requirements for equines in equine-assisted services.







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NOTE: Member approval may be contingent upon the EQUUS Foundation conducting a site visit and receipt of additional information, the organization completing a self-assessment using the EQUUS Foundation site assessment tool, and/or receipt of at least one recommendation from an existing EQUUS Foundation Guardian.

Definitions

Equine Transition Services (ETS): Services involved with equines in transition, including the rescue of equines at peril, rehabilitation, training, re-homing, and/or the provision of sanctuary and/or retirement of equines.
 —Equines in transition: Any equine that is currently in transition from one home, vocation, opportunity or owner to the next. Throughout its lifetime, most horses will have multiple homes and owners. Often, these horses find themselves in transition due to no fault of their own, rather when their owners cannot, or no longer wish to, care for their horses as the result of a change in the owner's circumstances.
 —At peril/At risk: An equine that has an increased possibility of experiencing a situation of neglect, abuse, general poor welfare, and/or an inhumane death.

Equine-Assisted Services (EAS): Refers to various services in which professionals incorporate horses and other equines to benefit people. Three areas of EAS have been identified: Therapy, Learning and Horsemanship. These services are further defined in the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines for Conducting Equine-Assisted Services.
Special Needs: Any difficulty or difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations. The difficulty may not be limited to a health issue but may result from the interaction between the individual and the society in which he or she lives arising from an abusive or unhealthy environment or situation and/or a lack of resources, including economic resources, placing them at risk of a future with less than optimal outcomes.
At-Risk: Generally refers to a future with less than optimal outcomes and/or a situation(s) where an individual, family, or group is vulnerable to harm, neglect, or adverse outcomes due to factors like poverty, disabilities, or specific circumstances

Outreach: Public education programs and activities that incorporate equine interactions and/or the equine environment, mounted or unmounted, aimed at educating the public about the horse-human bond and issues impacting the welfare of horses, and allowing the public to experience how horses enhance lives of people; such programs and activities include, but are not limited to, off site visits with horses at hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, on site tours, seminars and clinics, camps, volunteer/community service programs, and mounted and unmounted lessons and/or activities - OTHER THAN Equine Assisted Services (EAS) that require a credentialed service provider.

FACILITY TYPES:
The Main facility is the primary facility where organizations conduct programs at which equines are cared for and sheltered.

A Satellite facility is a facility either under the management of the organization or another entity that is utilized regularly by the main facility to conduct the programs of the organization at which equines under the custody of the organization are cared for and sheltered, i.e., a Satellite facility functions as another Main facility.

A Support facility, such as a foster, boarding, training, rehab, temporary care, and overflow facility, is a facility, under the management of an entity other than the organization, with which the organization contracts to provide care and shelter, and other services, for specific equines for a specified period of time, such equines are owned by the organization and not the entity and may remain at the facility for their lifetime OR until they are adopted OR if circumstances arise which require them to be moved to another facility.

An Outreach facility is a facility under the management of an entity other than the organization with which the organization contracts to conduct its Equine Assisted Services and/or equine-based outreach activities and in which the horses/equines provided for the outreach activities are owned by the entity and not the organization.

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