ERGO Program
Direct financial assistance for equestrian professionals in Palm Beach County facing pandemic-related hardship.
Equestrian Recovery Grant Opportunity
Within the horse world, COVID-19 has had a disproportionately detrimental financial impact on equestrian professionals and industry service providers. As small business owners and independent contractors occupying a unique niche in the workforce, many members of the equestrian community have been critically underserved by unemployment insurance or overlooked for SBA/PPP loans.
The ERGO program is designed to help equestrian professionals who are facing financial catastrophe directly related to the pandemic to regain their stability and wellbeing. Funding has been made possible through the generosity of the 2021 Great Charity Challenge, with grants exclusively available to Palm Beach County residents.
Apply for an ERGO GrantBraiders. Grooms. Lesson instructors. The people who make the equestrian world run — and who were left behind by traditional safety nets.
Three Eligibility Requirements
All three conditions must be met to qualify for ERGO funding. If you have any uncertainty about your eligibility, email info@equestrianaidfoundation.org before submitting — not after.
Equestrian Industry Income
You must earn the majority of your income through your work within the equestrian industry.
Palm Beach County Residency
You must prove domicile in Palm Beach County since January 1, 2020. Any person or entity with a primary business or residential address outside of PBC will be deemed ineligible.
Demonstrated Financial Impact
You must demonstrate a critical loss of income directly caused by the pandemic that affects your wellbeing or that of the horses upon which you depend to make a living.
Eligible Applicant Types
Palm Beach County equestrian professionals, including but not limited to:
Part-Year Residents
Priority is given to full-time residents. However, EAF recognizes that many equestrian independent contractors are transient and may not own property. If you are uncertain about your residency status, email info@equestrianaidfoundation.org before submitting your application.
How the ERGO Program Works
Application Process & Timeline
The application becomes available on the EAF website. Gather your supporting documentation — you will need to demonstrate your income source and pandemic-related financial impact.
Submit your completed application and supporting documentation online, via email, or by post. Applications received during the window are screened for completeness — not reviewed for grant determination.
All applications are reviewed by committee. A representative of EAF may contact you to request additional information. Grant amounts are determined by available funding and areas of greatest need.
You will be notified of your application's final determination. Approved grant checks will be mailed in the first week of June.
Everything You Need to Know
Every question a prospective applicant might hesitate to ask — answered plainly and completely, with no information hidden behind a click.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Who qualifies for this funding?
Funding is available to equestrian professionals and industry service providers who reside in Palm Beach County, earn the majority of their income through the equestrian industry, and who have faced a critical loss of income as a direct result of the pandemic.
Why are grants only available to residents of Palm Beach County?
EAF's ERGO Program has been made possible through the generosity of the 2021 Great Charity Challenge. As mandated by the Great Charity Challenge, funding must be disbursed within Palm Beach County.
What are the eligibility requirements?
In order to be eligible for ERGO funds:
- Applicants must earn the majority of their income through their work within the equestrian industry.
- Applicants must prove domicile in Palm Beach County since Jan. 1, 2020. Any person or entity with a primary address outside of PBC will be deemed ineligible.
- Applicants must demonstrate a critical loss of income that affects their wellbeing or that of the horses upon which they depend to make a living.
Who are the eligible applicants?
Examples include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following Palm Beach County residents: braiders, freelance grooms, judges and stewards, horse show staff, equine bodyworkers, lesson barn operators, and other small business owners and independent contractors who primarily and directly serve the equestrian community.
I spend part of the year in Palm Beach County. Am I eligible?
Priority will be given to applicants who are full-time residents, as determined by tax obligations to the county's local municipalities, home ownership, or long-term rental agreements. However, EAF recognizes that many independent contractors in the equestrian community are transient for much of the year. If you have a question about your eligibility, please email us before submitting your application.
If I have already received an EAF COVID Emergency Relief grant, unemployment, or a forgivable loan, am I still eligible?
Yes. However, grants will be awarded on the basis of greatest need. EAF reserves the right to prioritize entities that have not yet received outside funding.
Funding & Approved Uses
How much funding is available through ERGO grants?
Eligible applicants may receive a one-time grant of up to $2,500.
How can I use grant funds?
Grant funds can be used to cover the following:
- Essential living and healthcare expenses
- Mortgage or rent
- Utility payments
- Routine maintenance and care of horses upon which the applicant depends to make a living (e.g., school horses) — feed/forage, vaccinations, essential medication, dentistry, and so forth
Application Process & Timeline
What is the application deadline?
The application window opens on April 5, 2021, at 8 a.m. and closes on May 15, 2021, at 5 p.m.
How does the application and approval process work? How are grant amounts determined?
Completed applications and supporting documentation can be submitted online, via email, or by post before 5 p.m. on May 15, 2021. Applications are screened for completeness during the window — not reviewed for grant determination. All applications are reviewed by committee during May. A representative of EAF may reach out after submission to request additional information. The committee considers available funding and areas of greatest need when determining final grant amounts. You will be notified by June 1, 2021, and approved checks will be mailed in the first week of June.
Reporting & Repayment
Will I be required to report how I spent any awarded grant funds?
EAF's grant from the Great Charity Challenge — which made the ERGO Program possible — is contingent upon EAF's submission of quarterly funds use reports to the GCC during 2021. These reports include information on the number of individuals helped, together with photos and narratives from grant recipients. EAF will call upon ERGO grant recipients for help in completing this requirement.
Will I have to repay my ERGO grant?
No. ERGO grants are not loans and require no repayment. However, failure to comply with EAF's funds use reporting request may result in forfeiture of ERGO funding.
Still Have Questions?
No question is too basic. Contact the Equestrian Aid Foundation at info@equestrianaidfoundation.org or call 800-792-6068 .
Still Have Questions?
Contact the Equestrian Aid Foundation directly at info@equestrianaidfoundation.org or call 800-792-6068 . Every question is valid, and all information is handled with care.