Solid Ground receives $20k in grant funding for equine-assisted learning and therapy

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Rapid funding will support organization’s response to the coronavirus outbreak in Klamath county.

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The following is a press release from Solid Ground Equine-Assisted Activities & Therapy Center

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Solid Ground Equine-Assisted Activities & Therapy Center (Solid Ground) announced today that it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Oregon Community Recovery Fund and a $5,000 grant from the Olsrud Family Fund of Oregon Community Foundation to support the local response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

This funding supports the work Solid Ground has under way including expanding staff capacity to serve 180 participants throughout rural Klamath Basin through equine-assisted learning and therapeutic riding programs.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has deeply impacted our rural community and left our area’s most vulnerable populations without resources to support their path towards healing and recovery,” said Shelley Trumbly, Solid Ground Executive Director. “Through the generous support of the Oregon Community Foundation and Olsrud Family Fund, we are able to expand our staffing capacity to serve more individuals who will benefit greatly from the therapeutic services that we provide. We serve a broad population and among them, provide targeted support to veterans; those living with cognitive, physical, emotional, or behavioral difficulties; and children experiencing foster care or unstable home environments. This partnership enables us to leverage and cultivate local resources to meet the needs of our community at a time when they need us most.”

Philanthropic partners, businesses and individuals across the state have taken quick action with contributions to the Oregon Community Recovery Fund. The fund, established by many partners throughout Oregon, and hosted by the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), was established in March to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak. Resources are prioritized where and when they are critically needed, with a focus on Oregon’s most vulnerable populations.

“In this critical moment, it’s going to take all of us—foundations, nonprofits, and private sector, and government at all levels—working together to contain this crisis and care for our neighbors,” said Amy Drake, Southern Oregon Community Impact Program Officer. “We know that local communities are on the front lines of this crisis. Philanthropy has an important role to play in supporting them, helping to fill the gaps in funding that have quickly become critical across the state.”

Anyone may contribute to the Oregon Community Recovery Fund. Donations are accepted online. Nonprofit organizations working to respond to this crisis can review funding guidelines and apply for grants on the OCF website.