Riding horses is a dream come true for many young people. However, for some families, a little help may be needed in making that dream a reality.
The IEA BENEVOLENT FUND aims to provide equitable access to equestrian sports through a Financial Assistance Program for young riders in grades 4-12 who need additional funding support to enable them to take lessons and compete in the IEA addressing the need for inclusion and equal opportunity in the equestrian community. Financial Aid provides support for membership fees, monthly riding lessons, 5 shows of entry fees, plus potential travel money and entries for post-season finals. The Benevolent Fund also provides emergency funding for IEA coaches battling an unexpected event that impedes their ability to work such as illness, accidents, barn fires, natural disasters, and other tragedies that translate into a loss of personal business income.
This season the IEA saw a 66% increase in the number of financial aid applications received to help young riders. Financial Aid is limited to $1,895 per approved-rider request and $1,000 is the Coaches Assistance Grant cap. A total of 43 riders received either full or partial aid.
What Do Your Contributions Provide?
A tax-deductible donation of $1,895 to the IEA Benevolent Fund would provide FULL Assistance/Support for (1) Rider to compete for an entire season.
IEA Financial Aid Coverage Includes:
- IEA will waive or refund the student-rider’s individual membership fee for one discipline ($70).
- IEA will pay the student-rider’s lesson fees to the IEA Sponsoring Coach ($30/lesson-2x per month-up to $540.00 max).
- IEA will pay all standard competition entry fees for up to (5) regular season shows in one discipline ($475 Maximum)
- $1,085 maximum in regular season.
In the event of post season competition, additional financial aid will be awarded as follows:
- IEA will pay the student’s standard entry fees for qualified Individual classes at regional, zone and national finals (up to $360 max).
- IEA will pay a $150 travel stipend for zone finals (HS) or regional finals (W/D) and a $300 travel stipend for national finals.
- $810 max in post season additional funds.
Individuals, foundations, and corporations can help IEA reach their goal of achieving a sustainable financial aid program long into the future. Contributing to the IEA Benevolent Fund is easy to do.
Donations can be made directly online at https://data.rideiea.org/donate/form or if you prefer to send a check, it can be mailed along with a DONATE BY MAIL form to the National Office at PO Box 809, Chagrin Falls, OH, 44022.
IEA is a national 501(c)3 organization and GuideStar Gold Seal Charity. Donations are tax-deductible.
Interested in learning more about how you or your organization could help support the IEA? Contact Kathy Dando at kdando@rideiea.org.
ABOUT THE INTERSCHOLASTIC EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting lifelong involvement in equestrian athletics by offering a unique draw-based competition format for young riders in grades 4-12, allowing them to compete without owning a horse or riding equipment, providing greater affordability and access to the sport. IEA has over 14,600 members across the United States participating in Hunt Seat, Western and Dressage disciplines. For more information, visit www.RideIEA.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kimber Whanger
IEA Director of Marketing & Communications
kimber@rideiea.org
Kathy Dando
IEA Resource Development Director
kdando@rideiea.org