ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 1, 2025) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Horse Industry Board, a program under the Maryland Department of Agriculture, has officially opened applications for its 2026 grants. From August 1 to October 4, 2025, interested parties can submit proposals for educational, promotional, and research projects that support horses and the equestrian community or create new opportunities for the Maryland horse industry.

Funding for these grants is made possible by the Maryland Feed Fund, which collects $6 on every ton of horse feed sold in the state. Since its establishment in 2002, the Fund has allowed the Maryland Horse Industry Board to award nearly $700,000 in grant money to over 400 projects throughout Maryland.

Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks expressed his support for the horse industry and its impact on agriculture in the state. "The horse industry is a powerful force within Maryland agriculture - economically, socially, culturally, and in preserving our open spaces," he said. "Through innovative funding from the Feed Fund, the Maryland Horse Industry Board continues to support forward-thinking projects that strengthen our equine ecosystem. It's a model of how industry-led, self-funded programs can drive real impact and lasting growth."

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One major change for this grant cycle is that applications must now be submitted through Google Forms. Interested parties are encouraged to carefully review the 2026 grant guidelines before submitting their proposals. Projects that align with industry action items identified at Maryland Horse Forums and related events will be given strong consideration. Additionally, applications that aim to enhance cohesion and growth within the horse industry will also be prioritized.

To view guidelines and apply for a grant, interested parties can visit https://mda.maryland.gov/horseboard/Pages/grant.... Proposals will be evaluated based on their written presentation quality, potential impact and value to the industry, project feasibility, financial need, and potential for matching funds. Grant requests should not exceed $2,000, with an average grant amount of approximately $1,000. In the previous grant cycle in 2025, 38 projects received a total of nearly $30,000 in grant allocations.

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Eligible organizations for MHIB grants include non-profit organizations, clubs and associations, businesses, licensed farms and stables, government entities, schools and educational institutions. The Board is particularly interested in projects that create new opportunities for the Maryland horse industry.

Grant recipients will be announced no later than January 1, 2026, with funding available after the announcements. All funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2026, and reports are due no later than June 30th of that year.

The Maryland Horse Industry Board was established in 1998 to promote and develop the equine industry in Maryland. For more information on the grants process or the MHIB's work with the Feed Fund, interested parties can visit www.mda.maryland.gov/horseboard or contact Anne Litz, Executive Director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board at 667-408-0407 or via email at anne.litz@maryland.gov.

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