CDS Competition Travel Grant Program

Purpose:
To establish an orderly process for the allocation of funds to aid travel by CDS members residing in California and Nevada who have been selected for participation in National and International dressage competition.

Administration:
A sub committee of four members of the CDS Executive Board as appointed by the President with approval of the Executive Board.

Funding:
Allocated funds are to be maintained in a separate account category by the CDS treasurer. Funds are to be derived from the $3 fee per horse License Fee from CDS recognized competitions, funds from the CDS general fund and additional funds obtained through active fund raising efforts for this specific purpose.

Budgeting:
Early each calendar year the committee will designate those competitions which will be considered for grants during the coming year. A designated amount will be budgeted for each venue and this amount will be distributed equally among qualified participants. Depending upon the number of qualifying events each year a grant will usually be between $500 and $1500. The ceiling amount per eligible candidate is $2,500 per calendar year. Unused amounts can be carried forward into the next year.

Intent forms:
Riders who would like to be considered for a grant during the calendar year must have a letter of intent on file in the CDS office before the event. Forms for the CDS Competition Travel Grant are available online and from the CDS office. The CDS Competition Travel Grant for the current year listing the eligible competitions will also be printed in Dressage Letters. 

Payment of Grants:
Payments will normally be made upon return from the event for which the grant has been made. If both the owner and rider of a horse apply, the grant will be split, otherwise the grant goes to the applicant, which has traditionally been the rider.

Membership:
Rider and owner must both be members of CDS in good standing to be eligible for grants. Riders are expected to comply with reasonable requests for service to the memberships in return for obtaining grant funds.