A Charity to Improve the Quality of Life of Horsemen, Horses, and Their Sport.

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What is the VHSA Foundation?
The Virginia Horse Shows Association Foundation (VHSAF) is a Virginia Corporation (June 19, 1997), which has been recognized for exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions made to VHSAF are deductible as charitable contributions. This organization is separate from the Virginia Horse Shows Association, Inc. (1947), but the two groups plan to work hand in hand for the benefit of the various causes of the Foundation.

What does VHSAF Benefit?
Generally speaking, the charity benefits individuals in need who are related directly or indirectly to the world of horse showing. The Foundation also anticipates benefiting other charitable organizations.

More specifically, the Foundation directs its efforts in the following activities:

1. Education - The Foundation will sponsor educational seminars to promote the well being of horses, riders, owners, and trainers, as well as others interested in the horse world. The Board of Directors feels that there is an enormous inventory of talent available to use for this purpose and it intends to organize that talent for these educational purposes. Seminars will be focused on such topics as horse care, training tips, riding instruction, etc. The Foundation will also offer scholarships to worthy students based upon need and/or merit.
2. Research - The Foundation plans to support equine related research projects designed to educate the public on such matters as disease, surgical techniques, nutrition, etc.
3. Outreach Assistance To Those in Need - The Foundation plans to provide financial assistance to those in the horse community in need. Requests for relief will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
4. Other Charitable Purposes - From time to time the Foundation will be presented with charitable requests which will not fit into the parameters of 1-3. These requests for funds will be dealt with on a case by case basis by the Board of Directors.

Who manages the Foundation?
The organization is managed by a Board of Directors who will meet at least four times per year to decide how to distribute available funds in such a way that will best benefit each cause. Application forms will be distributed to those individuals or organizations who wish to apply for Foundation grants, and the Board of Directors will act based upon information received through this process as well as through follow up investigation.

The board consists of not less than five (5) Directors nor more than fifteen (15), who are to be elected by the Board of Directors by a majority vote for a term of three years. Officers will be elected by the Board on an annual basis.

Who are the members of VHSAF?
As provided in the Articles of Incorporation, the organization shall have one class of members consisting of individuals, corporations, or entities that contribute to the Corporation in furtherance of its purposes. Members serve on various committees established by the Board. The members will meet at least once a year, which shall be the annual meeting to be held between November 15 and December 15 of each year. Business to be conducted at the annual meeting shall include the announcement of new members, reviewing the annual report presented by the Board of Directors and any other reports by officers and committees, and the business presented by the President.

How does the Foundation raise funds?
The Foundation plans to build an endowment, so that benefits can be generated from interest rather than principal. This endowment will be built through solicitation of tax deductible dollars from both individuals, corporations, and other entities. At least one major fundraising event will be planned each year and ongoing fundraising activities will be initiated by the Fundraising Committee.

There will also be programs which will generate funds through estate planning that will include a Benefactor Gift Commitment Program.

How are the day to day operations managed?
The Foundation plans to hire, on an as needed basis, the services of an Executive Secretary. This individual will maintain records and coordinate the activities of the Board as well as the various committees.

How do the Virginia Horse Shows Association (VHSA) and VHSAF work together?
In addition to many of the volunteer Directors serving for both causes, the two organizations will share office space, as well as personnel. Many of the scholarship and educational endeavors now undertaken by the VHSA can now be handled by the Foundation. This, along with sharing some office and personnel expense, will benefit the VHSA by directly reducing operating expenses. In other words, the two groups will be able to operate as brother/sister organizations allowing each to concentrate solely on their individual priorities, while benefiting the Virginia horse show community.

How do I become a member?
A charitable contribution of any amount constitutes membership. An acknowledgment of your contribution will be forthcoming along with your membership card. You will also receive regular newsletters as to the activities of the Foundation, which will include news concerning the various causes which you have helped to benefit. Click here or on the Pledge Card button below to view the Pledge Card. The Pledge Card page can be printed and sent to the Foundation office along with your tax deductible contribution, or call the VHSAF office at (540) 349-0910 for a brochure.

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