Weekly Update

Updates are still a bit slow on my projects, but at least I now have two (well, pretty much) concrete projects determined. I am very excited to be working with Habitat for Horses' regular grant writer (who happens to be a full time grant writer for the American Heart Association)- I know I will be able to learn a lot from her this semester. She sent me a great spreadsheet of all the grants/funding opportunities they are currently looking into, and I will try to get it posted on here as soon as Excel and I learn to cooperate. I have also had a chance to review their two recent successful proposals, and some letters of intent they have written.

Our first grant is going to be either looking for a tractor/backhoe or the funds to purchase one. One possible tractor is the 2000 CASE 580SL Backhoe Loader- for a new one, we're looking at around $25,000; a used one in decent condition would probably be around $15,000. I'd like to approach some local companies like Tractor Supply and Bechtel to see if they would be willing to help out or make an equipment donation.

The second grant is not really for a project, but rather for operating funds. I know Dr. Rice has said most foundations will not award grants just for operating funds, so this may be a little more difficult. The farm was recently audited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries who recommended that the farm should have at least $115,000 cash on hand at any given point in case of emergency. The farm's annual budget is about $300,000 per year, and it costs approximately $1000 per day to maintain the farm, so there is obviously not much of a cushion right now.

First Paragraph

Sorry, this post is a little late because my grant-writing partner and I have not solidified any plans yet. I'm going to approach this post as if we are definitely applying to the EQUUS Foundation for a grant for general operations. The EQUUS Foundation does specify that they will award grants for general ops.

"Habitat for Horses, Inc. (HfH), located in Hitchcock, Texas, is one of the largest non-profit equine protection agencies in the country. HfH appreciates and fosters the important role horses play in society. We coordinate with law enforcement to provide equine rescue services, operate an equine adoption program to place horses in loving, forever homes, and provide rehabilitation and sustainable lifetime care for horses that are too affected to be adopted. HfH also provides educational opportunities to teach youth and adults to appreciate the contributions horses make to civilization. To date, HfH has saved thousands of these beautiful creatures from suffering, abuse, and even death.
The current financial situation has led to an increase in unwanted/improperly cared for horses that are in need of a safe haven. HfH has been in operation for over 12 years, and will continue to foster horse health and wellfare by providing rehabilitation services, care and a chance for mutually beneficial adoptions.

Problem Mapping

I had a great phone meeting today with Olympia, the current grant writer for Habitat for Horses. She has several foundations already selected to apply to for funds, and she is planning to take a look at the EQUUS Foundation as well. She had never heard of EQUUS, so it was nice to feel like I had something valuable to contribute to the conversation!

Right now, the three top priorities for the organization are obtaining a new tractor (the old one is in the 'tractor hospital,' and with $1000 worth of repairs will be usable, but only for so long...), increased cash reserves (they recently underwent an audit by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, who advised having at least $115,000 cash on hand at any given time), and general operating costs (operating costs are approximately $1000 per day).

We don't have a solid solution in mind yet, so for the mapping assignment, I have created a map of my 'conversation' with myself about the problem.

Thesis Statement

Last week we talked about how a mission statement, in a way, is a thesis statement. A thesis is an opinion presented as a statement that needs evidence to support it. For your blog post, relate a single statement that serves to "manage change" as your primary thesis in your mission statement. What problems might a reader have with it? How will you mitigate those problems?
I have a phone date set up with my organization for this Wednesday, just before class, so I still dont have a specific proposal/project narrowed down. I'm going to post my attempt at a 'thesis statement,' but I'm afraid it might be a little on the generic side.

Tens of thousands of often young and healthy horses in the United States are abused, neglected, or shipped out of the country for horse slaughter each year. We believe that change begins with education, and seek to rescue and rehabilitate abused horses and provide them with useful careers educating America's youth.

Again, I'm afraid its very generic, since I have not narrowed down a specific 'mission' yet with my organization, so obviously lack of specifics could be an issue someone would have with my thesis statement. Once I have a specific project in mind, I think I will be able to provide more facts and statistics, which will be backed up by case studies and examples, to help mitigate concerns about the statement.