What You Need to Know About Starting a Horse Rescue

Two horses graze in a meadow with haystacks

Is it your dream to open a horse rescue of your own? Rescuing horses in need is a noble cause, but there’s a lot to know before you set out to create your own rescue.

Filing Nonprofit Status

If you plan to run a rescue, you will be looking at filing for nonprofit status. When your rescue is deemed a nonprofit, people who donate to your rescue can write those donations off as tax deductions. Filing for nonprofit status is a complicated process, and it’s often recommended that you hire a lawyer to ensure that you file the paperwork correctly. It can take anywhere from three months for a year for your nonprofit status to be approved or denied.

Creating a Board of Directors

In order to apply for nonprofit status, your rescue needs to have a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors should consist of varied people who care about rescuing horses and who can make strong contributions to your rescue. Board of Directors roles such as Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary need to be filled. These people will help govern and oversee the rescue’s operations.

Securing a Facility

One of the largest challenges for any horse rescue is securing an adequate facility. While donations may come in, they are often small, especially for a start-up rescue. If you already own a barn for horses, you may be able to dedicate part of that barn’s use to the rescue, if you’re planning on keeping the rescue small. Already having a barn and some property can help you overcome one of the most significant obstacles you’ll face in starting your horse rescue.

Considering the Time Involved

Starting a rescue takes time. You need to build a Board of Directors, create bylaws and plans for your rescue, gain donor support, and even apply for grants. There are so many horse rescues out there and limited amounts of grant money available, so your donors will become even more important. Starting a horse rescue is not an overnight venture. It can take years to get your rescue up and running, and there’s a steep learning curve, especially when you are establishing yourself as a nonprofit.

Not sounding as romantic as it had originally? That’s okay – the decision to start a horse rescue is a big one, and it’s not a process that you should hurry into lightly. If starting your own rescue sounds like more than you want to take on, then think about volunteering at an established rescue. Remember, too, that you can always “rescue” a horse on your own.

Original Source: What You Need to Know About Starting a Horse Rescue

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