| Description |
We feel that the future of the horse tradition in America depends on the strategic building of a nationwide network of local organizations learning from one another and united by a shared commitment and approach – a strategy of forging alliances among local horse organizations and acting as a united voice on behalf of the horse – both in response to crisis and proactively shaping public support and local policies that strengthen the horse community.<br/>This grant will directly benefit local communities by targeting and supporting local conservation and equine related organizations working to save and protect local horse lands.<br/><br/>Goals to be Funded:<br/>The ultimately goal of our strategic plan is to build and nurture a national network of local equine-related organizations dedicated to protecting the future of open lands for horses and equine-related activities in order to ensure the future of America’s equine culture, heritage and industry. We are specifically requesting support for Phase 1 of the strategic plan. A copy of our 2016-2018 Strategic Plan is provided in Attachment A.<br/><br/>Phase 1 Task:<br/>•Identify local equine-related organizations working in the following areas: land protection, planning and zoning, publicly owned and accessible equestrian facilities, trails and trail networks and raising public awareness of the importance of horses to communities<br/>•Develop a database of these organizations to serve as the base for building a national network of local organizations working to conserve land for equine related activities<br/>•Develop a professional survey and needs assessment of these organizations which will be used to inform ELCR’s program activities<br/><br/><br/>Benefits of the Funded Program: <br/>•Bring together individuals, organizations and businesses engaged in horse-related activities, locally and nationally to ensure the future of horses in America<br/>•An increased number of local equine organizations dedicated to working toward protecting the future of horses in their communities<br/>•Establishment of a grassroots network of local horse advocacy organizations affiliated with and supported by ELCR is established and growing<br/>•More local equestrian groups are practicing collaboration and creating coalitions around issues of protecting our equine heritage, industry and culture<br/>•More acres conserved for horse activity through the work of local Network members.<br/>•Increased access for equine activity on public and private land at the local level<br/>•Interests of the horse community are visibly included in issue debates and are reflected in more local policies and project<br/><br/>Summary of the Project Request Budget Components<br/><br/><br/>National Database Research , Design and Development $20,000<br/>Network Survey Design $5,000<br/>Administrative Support $9,000<br/> <br/>Total Project Costs $34,000<br/> |
