MDARD Opens Application Period for the 2026 Equine Grant Program

By Lynsey Mukomel

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Horse Racing Advisory Commission (HRAC) announced today that they will accept proposals for the 2026 Equine Grant Program until February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.   

Established by Michigan’s Horse Racing Law of 1995, the Equine Grant Program provides a total of up to $125,000 in grant funding annually for: 

• The promotion and marketing of horse racing  
• Equine-related research  
• Equine-related support and aftercare  
• Other equine-related or horse racing programs  

To qualify for the Equine Grant Program, entities must be in good standing with the State of Michigan, must be able to provide financial statements for the prior fiscal year and must have been in business for at least two years. Additional program information, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available on MDARD’s website.