Maryland Horse Board Grants Program

The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB), part of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, provides small grants for research, education, and promotional activities that further develop Maryland's horse industry. The program is supported by the Maryland Feed Fund, which collects $6.00 from each ton of horse feed sold in the state; since 2002 nearly $700,000 has been awarded to more than 450 projects supporting horses, horse owners, equine organizations, educational institutions, and local communities. Funding requests should not exceed $3,000, with the average award around $850; in 2025 MHIB awarded nearly $25,000 to 36 projects statewide. Projects demonstrating collaboration and strengthening Maryland's equine industry receive additional consideration. [Institutional/community grant; licensed farms and stables are among eligible applicants.]

Nonprofit organizations, equine associations, clubs, businesses, licensed farms and stables, educational institutions, and local and state government entities. Projects that demonstrate collaboration and strengthen Maryland's equine industry are prioritized.

Request cap. "Grant requests should not exceed $3,000" and "Only one grant submitted per organization" (FY2027 Grant Application Guidelines).

Typical size. The FY2027 guidelines say "The average grant amount awarded is approximately $1,000 with total grant monies awarded each year--$30,000." The MHIB grants page puts the average slightly higher: "The average grant amount is approximately $1,200." For scale, "In FY 2022, 37 projects received nearly $40,000 in grant allocations."

Sub-cap. "Grant funds for applicants to attend conferences, trainings, or certifications will be limited to $500 or less."

Match. No match is required, but "Potential for matching funds" is one of five review criteria — alongside quality of written presentation, potential impact and value to the horse industry, feasibility of the project, and financial need.

What the Board is less likely to fund. "1) capital expenditures on farms including waterers, run-in sheds, trail bridges, fencing, etc., 2) supplies already purchased or projects already conducted, 3) University overhead or indirect costs, and 4) purchase, lease or care of horses." Entities seeking event sponsorships are encouraged to apply as a grant instead.

Term and conditions. "Grant recipients should be notified of the status of their application within 120 days of the deadline date. Funding will be available as soon as possible after January 15th. Project must be completed by June 30, 2027," with a final report on spending and outcomes also due June 30, 2027. "In some instances, the review committee may recommend a grant amount less than what was requested."

Funding source. The Maryland Feed Fund, "which collects $6 on every ton of horse feed sold in Maryland."

Verified 2026-09-04 against the MHIB grants page and the FY2027 Grant Application Guidelines PDF.

2027 grant application period is OPEN. Deadline to apply is October 5, 2026. Review the 2027 Grant Guidelines, then apply through the online portal (application form) found on the Maryland Horse Board Grants Program webpage. Grant recipients will be announced January 2027; all funded projects, with final reports received by MHIB, must be completed by June 30, 2027.