301-26-098 - Virginia Horse Industry Board - 2027 Invitation to Submit Pre-Proposal

The Virginia Horse Industry Board is soliciting grant pre-proposals via Google Form to advance the equine industry in Virginia, with pre-proposals due July 17, 2026 (noon Eastern time) and a public board vote scheduled for August 17, 2026.

VHIB anticipates making awards from a pool of up to $1.25 million across three parallel grant mechanisms: Strategic Grants for large projects with substantial industry impact, Grassroots Grants for local-level projects up to $5,000, and Event Support Grants for equine events with strategic promotional value. All proposals must address at least one of five strategic priorities: addressing industry-wide needs, engaging multiple equine disciplines, increasing participation in Virginia equine events, promoting equine breeding and development, and recruiting and retaining youth equestrians.

Eligible applicants include any organization with an EIN number by the award date, including non-profit and for-profit entities; out-of-state organizations must partner with Virginia organizations. Applicants may submit multiple pre-proposals and reapply annually for multi-year projects, though no future funding is guaranteed. Cost-sharing is encouraged but not required.

All grants operate on a reimbursement basis with eligible expenses in seven categories: Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Contractual Services, Travel, Materials and Supplies, Equipment Rental, and Other. VHIB cannot fund construction, physical infrastructure, capital investment, product development, individual enterprises, legislative efforts, or sub-grants to unnamed groups.

Selected pre-proposal applicants will be invited to submit full proposals due October 12, 2026. The period of performance for awarded projects runs January 1 through December 31, 2027. Optional webinars for applicants are scheduled June 22 at 2 p.m. and July 6 at 6 p.m. Questions should be directed to Jennifer Reichert, VHIB Grant and Budget Manager, at VHIBGrants@stonywater.com.