United States Eventing Association

USEA Foundation Now Accepting Applications for 2025 Organizer's Relief and Competition Assistance Fund and Frangible Technology Fund

The USEA Foundation is pleased to announce the new Organizer's Relief and Competition Assistance (ORCA) Fund and has updated the Frangible Technology Fund for 2025. Please read below for more information on each opportunity.

The USEA Foundation’s Organizer Relief and Competition Assistance (ORCA) Fund

The ORCA Fund was established in 2024 to provide grants to event organizers who have experienced a disaster or catastrophe that has impacted their ability to run their competition. An anonymous donation of $20,000 was received as seed money to develop this safety net for organizers. For an organizer to be eligible for a relief grant, the organizer must donate $1 per starter at their largest event each year for two consecutive years. That two-year buy-in creates a five-year coverage window. Going forward, an event remains eligible if they donate two out of every five years. In the first year (2025), if the contributions from organizers reach more than $20,000, an additional $20,000 will be matched by the same donor creating a pot of $60,000+. Organizers and individuals may also donate directly to the fund in support of organizers.

If an organizer experiences a disaster or catastrophe that impacts and/or impedes their ability to run their competition, they may apply for a grant of up to $5,000 per year to be spent on equipment and repairs. Authorized uses include items such as jumps, dressage ring markers, and repair of previously-built permanent obstacles. Grant requests will be reviewed by a committee made up of one member of the USEA Foundation Board of Trustees, the Chair of the USEA Course Design and Builders Committee (or their appointee), and the USEA Vice President of Competitions (or their appointee). The committee may decide to award grants on a rolling basis or may hold decisions until year-end depending on the current size of the fund. Should the fund build a heavy reserve in the future, the same committee may also request permission from the Foundation Board of Trustees to accept grant applications for equipment and course modernization from organizers who have taken part in the cooperative.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an organizer donate and become eligible?
After an event runs its largest competition of the year, a check for $1 per starter at that competition may be sent payable to the USEA Foundation earmarked for the ORCA. A form will be made available to organizers when they submit their post-competition report.

Can non-organizers donate to this fund?
Yes. There will be a designated donation on the USEA Foundation website for anyone to add to this fund.

If a location runs multiple events, are all of the dates eligible for coverage?
Yes. An organizer need pay $1 per entry for only its largest event in a given year to have eligibility for all its events. An “organizer” means the committee responsible for running a specific event or series of events at the same location. Plots of land that host events operated by separate organizing committees are eligible for coverage for each organizing committee that submits a check for coverage.

What is considered a disaster or catastrophe?
Any act of God, such as flooding, damage from high winds, fire, etc., that is beyond the control of the organizer may be considered by the committee. Issues such as lack of entries, requests for funds for regular maintenance, etc. do not qualify. The disaster or catastrophe must be related to the running of a competition. The goal of the fund is to keep competitions running and relieve the burden of money lost due to unforeseen events.

The 2025 USEA Foundation Frangible Technology Fund

The 2025 USEA Foundation Frangible Technology Fund will supply grants to be used for the construction of frangible cross-country fences. Venues hosting events at the Advanced level and below will be awarded $2,000. Venues hosting events at the Intermediate, Preliminary, or Modified level and below will be awarded $1,500. Venues hosting events at the Training level and below will be awarded $1,000. Grant funds are to be used for the purchase of materials (lumber, frangible technology equipment, hardware, etc.) to construct frangible fences on cross-country courses.

Grants will be offered quarterly while funds remain available. Venues may apply for up to four (4) grants during 2025. To be eligible for multiple grants, organizers must simply provide photo evidence of the newly constructed fence from the prior grant or have the licensed course designer provide the USEA with verification that the fences are being constructed.

To obtain a grant, please contact Hannah Seagle, [email protected], 703-669-9998

About the USEA Foundation

The fundamental mission of the USEA Foundation is to protect and preserve the sport of eventing for future generations and to provide support for the core educational, safety, and equine welfare programs of the USEA. In addition, the Foundation administers educational grants for riders with the intent of preparing them to reach their goals. Learn more about the USEA Foundation at www.useafoundation.org.