LEXINGTON, Ky. – Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) announced today that grants totaling nearly $475,000 have been awarded to 64 approved organizations that provide Thoroughbred aftercare and incentive programs, equine-assisted therapies, and health and human services for backstretch and farm workers. Grant recipients from the last three years can be found on www.tca.org.

One of TCA’s grants is to the Retired Racehorse Project in support of the seventh annual Thoroughbred Makeover held at the Kentucky Horse Park, October 2-5. TCA has been the top supporter of the Makeover since its inception and believes that initiatives like this are an integral part of aftercare because they drive marketplace demand for off-track Thoroughbreds.

Additionally, in March, TCA expended $17,500 from its Horses First Fund to aid a herd of neglected Thoroughbreds. The Horses First Fund was established by LNJ Foxwoods in 2016 and assists Thoroughbreds and their caretakers in need of emergency aid due to large scale neglect, natural disaster, or other catastrophe.

“We are extremely grateful to our donors for their support because they make our grants to approved organizations possible,” said Erin Crady executive director of TCA. “Our 2019 grantees work tirelessly on behalf of Thoroughbreds and the backstretch and farm workers that care for them. We are proud to support their efforts.”

Grants are provided to organizations that successfully meet the criteria set forth in TCA’s annual grant application.  Grant applications for the 2020 grant cycle will be available in early January.

TCA’s mission is to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers, by supporting qualified repurposing and retirement organizations and by helping the people who care for them. TCA distributes grants to several categories of Thoroughbred-related nonprofits including rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming and retirement organizations; backstretch and farm employee programs; equine-assisted therapy programs; and research organizations.  Since its inception in 1990, TCA has granted over $23 million to more than 200 charities. Top supporters of 2019 can be found here: www.tca.org/supporters/. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).

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