Equine Grant Program

Purpose: The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in partnership with the Horse Racing Advisory Commission, offers the Equine Grant Program to support and strengthen Michigan's equine and horse racing industry. Funding supports promotion and marketing of horse racing, equine-related research, equine-related support and aftercare, and other equine or horse racing programs. Eligibility: Applicants must be in business for at least two years, in good standing with the state, provide previous fiscal year financial statements, have submitted all required reports for any prior award, and the signatory must be the owner/operator or authorized agent. Project eligibility: Projects must fit one of the program categories listed above and be scheduled within the stated grant period (09/01/2025 through 08/31/2026), with required interim and final reports. Application process: Submit the required proposal package via email to MDARD-Equine@michigan.gov by 5:00 PM ET on 06/30/2025. The package includes a cover sheet, completed Forms A and B (application and budget narrative), a project description with goals/objectives, a work plan and timeline, a detailed budget with quotes, and up to four support letters; an optional letter from an HRAC commissioner may be included. Proposals are reviewed competitively using published scoring criteria (relevance to Michigan horse racing, project purpose, measurable outcomes, impact, work plan, budget, and sustainability), with final award decisions by HRAC. Grants are cost-reimbursement with no match required.