Centennial State News

Applications are now open for the Equine Welfare Assistance Grants, offered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Welfare. These grants aim to improve equine welfare across the state through various community-led projects.

"The Division of Animal Welfare is committed to enhancing the welfare of all animals in the state of Colorado," stated Joe Stafford, Director of the Division of Animal Welfare. He added, "This grant allows us to enhance equine welfare throughout Colorado by funding projects and programs led by members of the equine community."

Entities eligible to apply for the grants include 501(c)3 organizations, for-profit entities, tribal or local governments, law enforcement agencies, and institutions of higher education. The Division will specifically support initiatives addressing safety net programs to keep equines in their homes, adoption programs, and education on equine welfare issues.

Eligible programs are those focusing on education, outreach, safety net programs, equine community support, and adoption. The grant requests must range between a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $50,000 per entity, with funds needing to be used by June 30, 2026. Notably, research projects and individual owners or companies seeking funding for the care of privately owned equines are excluded from eligibility.

All eligibility and application details are available on the CDA website at ag.colorado.gov/EquineWelfare and in the Equine Welfare Grant Guidelines. An informational webinar is scheduled for April 18, 2025, at 10 AM, providing an opportunity for more insights and questions about the grant and its objectives.