Thoroughbred Charities of America Awards Grants Totaling Over $1 Million in 2024

Grants totaling over $1 million were awarded by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) this year, the organization announced in a release.

Eighty six organizations were approved for a grant, including 56 aftercare organizations, 21 backstretch and farm worker programs, five equine-assisted therapy organizations, three Thoroughbred incentive programs, and one research organization. Over the last 34 years, TCA has awarded more than $27 million in grants.

TCA grants were bolstered this year by a bequest from late California Thoroughbred owner Nancy Messineo. Messineo was devoted to the well-being of animals, specifically horses. She was a strong supporter of Thoroughbred aftercare efforts and routinely worked to rehome her former racers. In addition to TCA, Messineo's estate bequeathed funds to the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), the Wild Horse Sanctuary, the Red Bucket Sanctuary, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“Each year TCA's Grants Committee works hard to ensure that we are an outstanding steward of the donations that we receive,” said Erin Halliwell, executive director of TCA. “This year is no different, as the committee carefully reviewed over 100 applications. Our grants are only possible thanks to our generous donors, and we are thrilled to be able to support so many impactful, effective, and change-making organizations in our industry because of this support.”

Grant applications for the 2025 grant cycle will be available in mid-January.