BEWF News and Events

AN IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR 2026

FROM THE BRENNAN EQUINE WELFARE FUND


For more than 26 years, the Brennan Equine Welfare Fund has remained committed to improving the lives of horses in need by supporting equine rescue, retirement, retraining, and rehoming organizations across the United States. That commitment—and our deep appreciation for our donors and grantees—remains unchanged. We are honored and proud that the teamwork we have established has made a lasting impact on many organizations and the equines under their care. 


To ensure the strongest possible impact and thoughtful stewardship of charitable resources, we are returning to the fund’s original donor-advised model and refining how the fund carries out its work.

WHAT'S CHANGING


  • Public communications and administrative activity will be more limited.
  • Grantmaking will continue to be by invitation and discretion, consistent with our donor-advised framework.
  • Previous grant support should not be viewed as a guarantee of future funding.

WHY THIS APPROACH


As a donor-advised fund established through the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, this model allows Brennan Equine Welfare Fund to concentrate on careful evaluation, long-standing relationships, and mission-aligned grantmaking, while minimizing administrative demands and maximizing charitable impact.

WHAT REMAINS THE SAME


  • Our mission, purpose, and values are unchanged.
  • We continue to support equine welfare organizations nationwide.
  • Our 501(c)(3) charitable status remains in place through the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.
  • Ways of giving remain the same, and donations are always appreciated.
  • 100% of all contributions continue to support equine welfare grants, just as they always have, and we are sincerely grateful to our donors for their confidence and generosity. Your support enables this work to continue with care, intention, and lasting impact for equines in need.
Donate to Brennan Equine Welfare Fund

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

  • Has BEWF's Mission Changed?

    No. Our mission to support equine rescue, retirement, retraining, and rehoming organizations remains exactly the same.

  • Can I Still Donate?

    You can donate online by clicking the Donate button above.


    NOTE: On The Greater Cincinnati Foundation donate page, scroll down to the Brennan donate form to make your donation. You can also donate by writing a check or by calling The Greater Cincinnati Foundation and making your donation over the phone using your credit card. For more information on writing a check or making a phone donation, see the instructions on the Donate page.

  • Will the Fund Continue Making Grants?

    Yes. Grantmaking will continue with a focused, thoughtful approach designed to maximize impact as it aligns to our mission.

  • How Are Grants Selected?

    Grants will continue to be awarded **by invitation and discretion** under our donor-advised model. Organizations will continue to be carefully vetted for mission alignment, responsible stewardship, and demonstrated impact. Please note that previous grant support should not be viewed as a guarantee of future funding.

NEWS AND MEDIA: Since 2000, Brennan Equine Welfare Fund has awarded grants to reputable equine rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries to help them save and care for horses in need. Throughout the years, our mission has been featured in many publications, which you can review, below.


We also list upcoming events (see below) and regularly provide updates from our rescue groups and their horses on our Facebook page. Click on the right and follow us!

Brennan Equine Welfare Fund

Founded in 2000

OUR MISSION

We award grants to reputable equine rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries across the country to save elderly, injured, abused, starved, and slaughter-bound horses. We support registered, 501(c)(3) organizations that specialize in retirement/rehabilitation services, offer a peaceful and permanent sanctuary, and/or offer carefully scrutinized adoption or re-placement.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

It's no small thing to help a horse in need


We recently heard someone say, "I love horses and donated $20 because I really wanted to help, but so many horses need help and I'm not sure that giving a small amount really makes a difference." We want everyone to know that ANY DONATION—EVEN A SMALL ONE—MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE TO A HORSE IN NEED!


The rescue organizations that work around the clock to save horses are always in desperate need of hay and grain, and they also need money to pay for vet care, medications and supplements, farrier, dental, rehabilitation, etc. One of our rescue organizations spends an average of $250 per horse each month and they care for 14 horses that are very difficult to adopt out. These horses are elderly or have permanent injuries or medical conditions and cannot be ridden, so even though a $20 donation seems small and insignificant, it will help buy one of these horses hay, grain and/or supplements. And never forget that small donations can add up! When 12 people give $20, a rescue organization will have enough money to care for one horse for one month...AND THIS MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE!

Jessica, Before

Jessica, After

Donations made to BEWF helped Metro Jessica, a 3-year-old Standardbred that arrived at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center 400-500 pounds underweight. Jessica also had severe abscesses from gravel impaction and her two hind feet were missing major portions of the sole and hoof. Her caregivers at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center said it was one of the worst cases of neglect they had ever seen.


Through a grant from Brennan Equine Welfare Fund, Jessica got the medical attention she needed. She was also put on a special diet to slowly nourish her body so that she safely gained weight without stressing her organs. An expert farrier began treating her hooves and the missing portions and hole in her sole and hoof have now grown out.


All of Jessica's veterinary care and rehabilitation was made possible through generous donations, so please, never think that any donation is too small to help a horse in need. Remember that one donation, combined with others, can and DOES help a horse that has been abused, abandoned, neglected, and staved. If you'd like to help, please click on the Donate button, below, and make a donation that will help save horses just like Jessica.

Your donations to Brennan Equine Welfare Fund help save the lives of abused and neglected horses!

100% of your donation goes towards grants that help equines in need. There is a 3% fee that BEWF is charged to maintain an interest bearing account which, in reality, yields more for grants to help the horses, so essentially, 100% (or more!) goes to the horses as the interest comes back to make more available for grant funding. For more information on making a donation by check or by phone, please visit our Donate page.

Click to Donate

(IMPORTANT: On The Greater Cincinnati Foundation donate page, scroll down to the Brennan donate form to make your donation.)

DONATION FYI: The Brennan Equine Welfare Fund is set up to receive donations through The Greater Cincinnati Foundation. To learn more about this outstanding organization, click on the Charity Navigator logo.

BEWF: A 501(c)(3) ORGANIZATION BENEFITTING EQUINES IN NEED

We Are Proud to Award Grants That Help Save Horses