Starting a horse rescue nonprofit organization can be a rewarding but challenging undertaking. Before you even begin, it may be helpful to look into potential donors to support your project. Horses who have been neglected, abused, or saved from slaughter are not an easy undertaking. It will take good money to move your project forward.
One site that is helpful for identifying foundations and funding opportunities is Guidestar. It’s free to sign up, and you can look for funders in your state or your region. Tip: go to some of the other nonprofits in your state who serve horses and look at the funders list for potential like-minded friends of your organization.
Here are some basic practical steps you can follow to get started:
Identify the need: Research the horse rescue landscape in your area and determine if there is a need for a new organization. Consider the number of horses in need of rescue, the availability of existing organizations, and any gaps in services.
Develop a mission and vision: Define the purpose and goals of your organization. What do you hope to achieve? What is your long-term vision? This will help guide your decision-making and keep you focused on your goals.
Form a team: Assemble a group of individuals who share your passion for horses and have the skills and experience necessary to start and run a nonprofit organization. This might include individuals with experience in fundraising, marketing, animal care, and legal compliance.
Register as a nonprofit: You’ll need to register your organization as a nonprofit with your state and obtain tax-exempt status from the IRS. This can be a complex process, so you may want to seek legal advice or assistance from a nonprofit consultant.
Develop a business plan: A solid business plan will help you secure funding and guide your organization’s growth. This should include a budget, fundraising plan, marketing plan, and operational plan.
Build partnerships: Establish relationships with other organizations and individuals in the horse rescue community. This might include veterinarians, feed suppliers, and local government officials.
Secure funding: Fundraising will be critical to the success of your organization. This might include applying for grants, organizing fundraising events, and soliciting donations from individuals and businesses. Fundraising begins with your passion and enthusiasm. Funders also have passion and enthusiasm, but they may not have time to build what you are building. Always take the time to contact a funder one-at-a-time with a personalized outreach. Sending out “blind copies” or sending to bulk organizations is rarely effective. Be sure to tell the story of one particular horse you helped, or what made you desire to build the nonprofit. Behind every good nonprofit is a passionate leader.
Develop policies and procedures: Create policies and procedures for horse intake, care, adoption, and euthanasia. These should be in line with industry best practices and local regulations.
Recruit volunteers: Volunteers will be the lifeblood of your organization. Develop a volunteer program and recruit individuals with a passion for horses and a willingness to donate their time and expertise.
Begin rescuing horses: Once you have all of the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start rescuing horses! Work with local animal control agencies, law enforcement, and other organizations to identify horses in need of rescue and provide them with the care they need.
Starting a horse rescue nonprofit organization is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. With careful planning, hard work, and a commitment to your mission, you can make a real difference in the lives of horses in need.
Good luck!