Photo by Tilly Berendt.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) Foundation is proud to announce an extraordinary commitment from longtime supporter Jacqueline Mars, who has pledged $500,000 in matching funds to help grow the Foundation’s unrestricted endowment and ensure a strong future for the sport of eventing.
The pledge, which will be distributed in four installments, is contingent upon the USEA Foundation raising an equal amount in unrestricted donations. Every qualifying contribution made toward the Foundation’s endowment fund will effectively be doubled, providing supporters with an unprecedented opportunity to maximize the impact of their gift.
This matching challenge comes at a pivotal time as the USEA Foundation works toward its ambitious goal of raising $5 million with its Campaign for Eventing’s Future. A larger endowment will provide the Foundation with sustainable, long-term funding, allowing its Board of Trustees to make strategic investments that enrich the sport today while protecting its future for generations to come.
“For decades, the USEA Foundation has supported initiatives that make our sport stronger, safer, and more accessible,” said USEA Director of Development Katherine Cooper. “This generous matching challenge from Jacqueline Mars gives every member of our community the opportunity to provide their own support and to play a direct role in shaping the future of eventing.”
While many know the USEA Foundation for its specific grant programs, unrestricted endowment funding is essential to ensuring those programs can continue to evolve. Earnings from the endowment help provide lasting support for initiatives that benefit every corner of the sport, including:
- Educational grants and programs for riders at every level
- Safety research and implementation of emerging technologies
- Training and education for licensed officials, coaches, trainers, grooms, and riders
- Assistance for organizers and the administration of the sport
- Research into equine health and athletic performance
Unlike restricted gifts designated for a specific purpose, unrestricted endowment contributions provide the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most, ensuring the Foundation can respond to the evolving needs of the eventing community.
The Foundation encourages supporters to contribute to either the USEA Foundation General Fund or the Kyra King Stuart Legacy Fund, both of which support the campaign to build a stronger endowment.
Every donation, large or small, moves the Foundation closer to unlocking the full $500,000 matching gift while helping secure a lasting legacy for the sport.
To make a donation and learn more about the campaign, visit www.USEAFoundation.org/donate.
