Lexington, Ky. June 14, 2023 – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation has awarded over $12,000 to Kentucky equine non-profit organizations though its new Seattle Slew Grant Program. The KEEP Foundation is committed to helping support educational programs, projects and other endeavors that help advance the future of the equine industry in Kentucky.
The KEEP Foundation’s Seattle Slew grants are available to Kentucky non-profits providing equine educational programs, events and initiatives. The Seattle Slew Grant Program is part of the Foundation’s efforts to support education and promote the importance of the equine industry to Kentucky’s economy and culture.
“The KEEP Foundation is honored to support these exceptional organizations that are tirelessly working towards showcasing our industry to future equine enthusiasts,” said Katie LaMonica, KEEP Foundation Board Chair. “The KEEP Foundation congratulates the grant recipients and commends their exceptional dedication and passion for Kentucky’s equine community.”
The Seattle Slew Grant Program is open to non-profit organizations, schools, and other groups that are involved in equine-related educational programs and projects. Recipients of the inaugural Seattle Slew Grant program are, The Ed Brown Society, Frankie’s Corner Little Thoroughbred Crusade and the Paris Bourbon County YMCA.
“Growing up, my grandfather Francis C. Wilson Sr. was who I looked up to, to gain my horsemanship skills and knowledge. Today, I lead Frankie’s Corner Little Thoroughbred Crusade (FCLTC) students in honor of my grandfather to prepare them for a bright future in the equine industry. We can not be what we do not see. So it is important to give the youth an opportunity to be the best version of themselves,†said Jermo Reese, President, Frankie’s Corner Little Thoroughbred Crusade.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available, and new submissions are reviewed quarterly. For more information or to apply for a grant, please visit HERE.
The KEEP Foundation has expanded its programming in recent years. In addition to its annual scholarship program, monthly Equine Educational Luncheon Series and it’s Workforce Initiatives, the Foundation also partners with Amplify Horse Racing, to host it’s monthly Career with Horses Tour Series.
All of these programs and initiatives would not be possible without the support of Kentucky’s equine industry and proceeds from the KEEP Foundation’s Seattle Slew license plate. Proceeds from sales and renewals of the 2022 license plate topped nearly $60,000.
The KEEP Foundation’s Seattle Slew specialty license plate would not have been possible without the gracious support of Karen and Mickey Taylor, the owners of Seattle Slew, and Bobby Shiflet, owner of the Tony Leonard Collection, who donated the photo of Seattle Slew that was used for the license plate.Â
If you would like to support the KEEP Foundation’s education initiatives, donations can be made HERE.
ABOUT THE KEEP FOUNDATION
The mission of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), established in 2014, is to support the economic success of Kentucky’s signature industry by ensuring its continued economic viability, making the industry accessible for all who want to participate, introducing more young people to the industry and its opportunities, and educating the people of the Commonwealth about the importance of horses to the state, its economy, its heritage, and its people. www.thekeepfoundation.org
