HMH Fiscal Sponsorship Application

Fiscal Sponsorship Application
At Horses for Mental Health (HMH), we believe in the life-changing power of horses to support mental health and personal growth. We know that many innovative programs and projects are led by passionate professionals who may not have nonprofit status but are deeply aligned with our mission of expanding awareness, funding, resources, and services that improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities worldwide through mental health and personal growth services incorporating horses.

Fiscal sponsorship is a way for us to partner with you by extending our nonprofit umbrella to eligible U.S.-based for-profit programs or projects. Through this partnership, HMH can accept tax-deductible donations and grants on your behalf, helping you access the funding and resources needed to sustain and grow your impact.

By applying for fiscal sponsorship, you are joining a community dedicated to uplifting both humans and horses. Together, we can increase access to mental health and personal growth opportunities, create greater awareness, and champion the essential role horses play in healing.

Please note: fiscal sponsorship is required for U.S.-based for-profit organizations who wish to participate as Program Partners in the HMH Campaign.

We look forward to learning more about your work and exploring how we can support your vision through this program.
Eligibility to Apply
We welcome applications from organizations that support our charitable purpose, share our vision and values, and demonstrate a commitment to both human and equine well-being.

To be considered for fiscal sponsorship through Horses for Mental Health (HMH), applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. For-profit business based in the United States
2. Mission and services focused on mental health or personal growth incorporating horses
3. Actively serving clients for at least two years
4. Practitioners are trained, certified, licensed, and/or qualified to provide the services offered
5. Commitment to high standards of business practices, ethics, policies, and procedures
6. Alignment with HMH’s charitable purpose and values
7. Willingness to provide accountability and accurate reporting for funds received through fiscal sponsorship
Key Expectations of Fiscal Sponsorship
To help you understand what it means to be fiscally sponsored by Horses for Mental Health (HMH), here are some of the main responsibilities and expectations outlined in the sponsorship agreement:
- Administrative Fee – HMH retains a 6% administrative fee from all grants and donations to cover the costs of processing and managing funds.
- Donations and Grants – All charitable funds for your program are received by HMH and then distributed to your program according to the approved project agreement. Programs must submit invoices to HMH to receive funds.
- Reporting – You will provide activity and financial reports as requested, showing how funds are being used to support your program’s mission.
- Donor Stewardship - Depending on the type and nature of the donation, programs may be responsible for sending donor receipts (provided by HMH) at their own cost, along with personalized thank-you’s.
- Pre-Approval of Fundraising – All grant proposals and donor solicitation efforts must be approved by HMH.
- Accountability – Funds must be spent only for the approved purposes. Any changes to use of funds require HMH approval.
- Compliance – Sponsored programs must follow all 501(c)(3) nonprofit requirements. Funds cannot be used for lobbying, political campaigns, or any activity inconsistent with IRS nonprofit regulations.
- Commitment to Standards – Programs must uphold high standards of ethical practice, financial accountability, and alignment with HMH’s charitable purpose.
By applying, you acknowledge that these expectations will be part of the fiscal sponsorship agreement should you be accepted into the program.
Prior to Completing this Application
You will need to prepare the following documents to upload when filling out this application:
1. Current certification in equine-assisted services for mental health or personal growth.
2. One team member’s professional license or credential in the human services scope of practice you provide.
3. A signed letter from your veterinarian (dated within the last 12 months) confirming that the horses in your program are cared for physically, mentally, and ethically.
Application
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Contact Name*

First NameLast Name
Contact Email*
example@example.com
Contact Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Organization Name*
Year Founded*
Autocompleted Address*
Website*
Please share your organization's social media links below. Write N/A if you don't have that platform:*
1. What is your organization's mission statement?*
2. Describe the types of programs/services you offer and populations you serve.*
3. Are team members, staff or volunteers trained and qualified in scope of practice to provide services identified?*

YesNoOther
4. What qualifications do your program's facilitators have in the human services scope of practice you provide? (i.e. licensed mental health professionals, certified coaches, licensed educators, etc.)*
5. What experience and qualifications do your program's facilitators have in equine care, training and interactions? *
6. What membership, training and certification do your facilitators have in providing equine-assisted services for mental health and personal growth? *
7. Your organization maintains appropriate business insurance, adheres to high professional and ethical standards, and upholds quality care for clients, horses, and facilities.*

YesNoOther
8. Please share your primary Veterinarian's information below:*
9. What are your goals in seeking fiscal sponsorship with Horses for Mental Health?*
10. What is your organization's annual budget?*

$0 - $50,000$50,001 - $100,000$100,001 - $400,000$400,000 - $1,000,000$1,000,000 +Other
11. Do you already have potential grants or donors who want to support your program?*

YesNoOther
11a. If yes, please provide more details.
Document Uploads
1. Upload your current certification in equine-assisted services (organization or one team member)

If any problems uploading, you can email it to info@horsesformentalhealth.org
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2. Upload the active professional license/credential for one team member in your organization's human services scope of practice (e.g. mental health, education, coaching)

If any problems uploading, you can email it to info@horsesformentalhealth.org
Cancelof
3. Please upload a signed letter from your veterinarian (dated no more than 12 months prior to your application date) confirming that the horses in your program are cared for physically, mentally, and ethically.

If any problems uploading, you can email it to info@horsesformentalhealth.org
Cancelof
Fiscal Sponsorship Project Agreement

Please fill out the section below outlining the specific projects and corresponding budget amounts for which you intend to apply donated or grant funds.
1. Please identify what funds may be applied to (check all that apply)*

Fees for mental health or personal growth sessions and programs incorporating horsesHorse acquisition, care, equipment or maintenanceFacility acquisition, care, equipment or maintenancePublic awareness and expansion of services incorporating horsesEducation and training for team, staff and volunteersResearch or program evaluationAdministrative, development and operational costs for programs incorporating horses for mental health and personal growthOther
2. Please provide a description of the project(s), including their mission and objectives, for which you are seeking funding. *
3. Funds raised through fiscal sponsorship are disbursed to your program upon submission of invoices to HMH. Please provide project budgets (e.g., session fees, program costs, etc.) that would be invoiced to support the projects outlined above.*
Additional Comments?
Please click Submit below to complete.

Thank you!
Should be Empty:

Fiscal Sponsorship Application

Eligibility to Apply

Key Expectations of Fiscal Sponsorship

Prior to Completing this Application

Application

Document Uploads

Fiscal Sponsorship Project Agreement