Our Wish ListSpecial Equestrians is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide high quality therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities to individuals with physical, mental, developmental and emotional disabilities. Special Equestrians welcomes individual contributions of any size. In addition, the program has the following particular funding needs. $2,000,000 Endowment – gifts of $5000 or more Special Equestrians operates on an average annual budget of $215,000. Tuition covers less than 15% of this amount; grant income, an annual fund drive, and fundraising from events cover the rest. An endowment of $2,000,000 would provide a significant level of financial stability. Financial Aid Funding – gifts of all sizes Special Equestrians offers tuition discounts, or scholarships, for families that cannot afford to pay the full cost of the program. One-time gifts of all sizes are welcome, but multi-year commitments are sought to fund all or part of this annual cost. Gift options: Individual gifts of any size: pledged repeating annual gifts of $100 - $6,000 per year for three to five years, or $120,000 to endow a scholarship fund. Professional development funding – gifts of $300 - $3,600 Underwriting is needed for instructors to attend regional and national conferences sponsored by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. These meetings provide valuable professional development and networking opportunities. Office remodeling – gifts of $5,000 or $10,000, or full in-kind donation Currently there is a single large office for the three staff members. To insure privacy related to program participants and to enhance efficiency, the Executive Director needs a separate office. The space exists within the stable but reconstruction and electrical work will be necessary. Re-bed covered arena – to be bid out The footing in the covered arena is over ten years old and needs to be replaced Display tablecloth with Special Equestrians Logo - gift of $170 We want to enhance our marketing effectiveness at informational fairs and conferences. Electrical work in stable – Gifts of $1,000 or $2000 or full in-kind donation The wiring for the lighting, heated water buckets for winter, and fans for summer needs to be re-worked. I-pod - $145 or in-kind Music can enhance the effectiveness of riding lessons and is necessary whenever we develop drill team routines. An I-pod to load with appropriate music would be a great resource for instructors. All-Terrain Vehicle- $1,000 or in-kind An ATV would enhance our efficiency in managing our pasture and arena. New promotional video – in-kind donation Our current video is effective but we have grown and gotten a new logo since it was done. This edition was made possible through a corporate donation. We hope that this will again be possible. New waterproof blankets for our horses – gifts of $100 - $1,100 in increments of $100 The majority of our horses, most of who are more "senior" citizens, need to be blanketed on the colder winter nights. We need new waterproof blankets to keep them warm and healthy. Run hot water to the wash station – to be bid out The outdoor wash station at Special Equestrians was built through an Eagle Scout Project. Having hot water available there would enhance its usefulness. New office furniture - $2,500 or in-kind We need 4 matching computer desks, 1 additional desk, counter workspace with cabinets underneath, matching file cabinets, 5 desk chairs, and 3 visitor chairs. Rebuild hinged window panels on the road side of stable - $600 or in-kind These panels allow for increased air flow throughout the stable but need to be closed in winter. Horses – priceless! We often need good program horses and take them on loan or as a donation. Ideal horses are seasoned, sound, and steady. English or Western training is fine, but they must like being handled and be comfortable in an arena and on trails. We generally maintain an all-gelding herd. Potential donors should call the office at (205) 987-9462 to tell us more about specific horses. Continuous Needs: Gift cards for Walmart, Lowe's, Staples |