The Michigan Horse Racing Advisory Commission announced on May 6 the recipients of the 2026 Equine Grants, awarding a total of $125,000 to support six projects across the state.
The funding aims to help maintain horse racing tracks and enhance related services in Michigan. The grants were awarded to organizations including Huron County Fair Association for track maintenance, Michigan Harness Horseman’s Association for livestreaming services and equipment needs, St. Joseph County Grange Fair for track maintenance, and Tuscola County Fair Association for similar improvements.
The Equine Grant Program was established under the Horse Racing Law of 1995. It provides financial support for promoting horse racing, conducting equine-related research, supporting aftercare programs, and other initiatives connected to horse racing. To qualify for these grants, applicants must have been in business at least two years, be in good standing with the State of Michigan, and provide financial statements from the previous fiscal year. Applications are reviewed through a competitive process by a joint evaluation committee before final decisions are made by the commission.
The Horse Racing Advisory Commission operates within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), which establishes procedures governing horse racing operations in Michigan. MDARD enriches communities by promoting food security and environmental stewardship; it oversees a food and agriculture system valued at nearly $126 billion; safeguards food supply; enforces animal health standards; supports economic growth in agricultural sectors; serves communities statewide; is headquartered in Lansing; is the primary regulatory agency for agriculture, food safety and rural development; manages regulatory programs for animal health and plant pest control as well as consumer safeguards—all according to the official website.
For more information about equine grants or additional funding opportunities related to agriculture or rural development, interested parties can visit MDARD’s grant web page.
