History

History of the NCHA Foundation

Cutters Helping Cutters

Nearly four decades of helping cutters and building for the future.

By: Joey Milner

Think back to 1982…almost 40 years ago, a group of cutters came together to form a charitable foundation entitled the NCHA Charities Foundation to support the goals and values of the National Cutting Horse Association. Fast forward to 2020, and our mission remains the same; to serve the NCHA and its members through youth and scholarships, animal welfare, historical preservation, and promotion of the sport of cutting.

The NCHA Foundation’s current Articles of Incorporation, which have been in place since 1999, spell out that the foundation is to “be operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes . . . to support and benefit (NCHA, which is) operated to encourage, promote, advertise, and develop the cutting horse as a unique and excellent equine athlete.” The work of the individuals who started and grew the NCHA Foundation has been invaluable throughout the past 38 years, and in the coming years there is even more the Foundation can do.

To date, through hard work, financial support, and the selfless service of countless cutters; the NCHA Foundation has been able to provide over $3 million in scholarships to over 1,000 youth involved with the sport of cutting. The Foundation has also proudly supported cutters with financial assistance in times of crisis.

The NCHA Foundation will continue its long-standing support of youth scholarships and hopes to increase that support going forward. And like similar charitable foundations, we have the opportunity for our fund-raising initiatives to help support additional initiatives that will allow our children, our grandchildren, and our grandchildren’s children to enjoy the cutting horse and the way of life that we all value. That is what good stewardship is all about.

Recently, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees voted to launch several major projects that will not only bring awareness to the Foundation but also help the NCHA and its members meet challenges, seize opportunities, and change lives. Recent efforts include providing funding for educational lectures, clinics, and research, creating over $130,000.00 in new youth scholarship opportunities, the unveiling of a life-size bronze by Western Artist, Kelly Graham – Buster Welch & King Ranch’s Little Peppy, crisis funding through a partnership with The Foundation for the Horse and, most recently, beginning the process of digitally preserving over 75 years of cutting history. We hope that these new projects will not only bring more awareness to the Foundation’s efforts but also broaden our donor base and allow us to continue offering new programs and opportunities for years to come.

Donors have special reasons for supporting the NCHA Foundation that are as numerous and diverse as the donors themselves. For many, philanthropic support is a way to accomplish goals while expressing deep personal values. Others view it as a smart strategic investment. Whether the motivation is humanitarian, heartfelt, or financial; the NCHA Foundation has always worked closely with donors to ensure that their generosity achieves specified goals and is an enjoyable experience. We know that donors have a multitude of options when it comes to choosing where to place their philanthropic support. In keeping with our history, we work side by side with potential donors to make sure their gifts are directed to the activities of the donor’s request and guide them through the donation process in the most respectful manner possible. Supporting programs like cutting clinics, archival preservation, animal welfare research, and scholarships are examples of projects that will appeal to various donors. From a $5.00 gift to a major endowment, all contributions are deeply appreciated and go far in support of the NCHA Foundation’s mission and the people we serve.

To participate as a foundation supporter, there are numerous options for donors to consider. These include:

Leave a Legacy - Donors can leave a lasting legacy by naming an endowed gift after an individual, a horse, or themselves.

Support Youth & Education - Extend the gift of knowledge through scholarships, grants, and awards to the next generation of leaders in the cutting industry.

Advance Animal Welfare Research - Help develop facilities and programs at universities and research laboratories to pursue advancements and discoveries that contribute to the overall health, longevity, and vitality of cutting horses and cattle.

Spread the Word - Promote awareness of and interest in cutting horses through outreach programs, demonstrations, clinics, youth leadership development, and more.

Preserve the Past – Help preserve the history of the great sport of Cutting by supporting archive and educational outreach efforts.

Secure the Future – Make a contribution of unrestricted funds to ensure that the NCHA Foundation has the resources it needs to meet unforeseen challenges and opportunities.

The NCHA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization (#75-1796627) and your donation is tax-deductible.

As the NCHA Foundation looks forward, and inches closer to its fourth decade of proudly supporting the NCHA & its members, we hope that you will join us with your financial support. Your generosity and support of your fellow cutters will enable the NCHA Foundation to shape a strong, bright future, and change lives. Together we can educate our youth, protect the horse, preserve our past, and secure the future for generations to come.

Thank you to our Board of Trustees for their guidance and generous support.