Purpose: To recognize and reward Maryland resident MHSA members in good standing who provide volunteer service to the community between the dates of June 1, 2008 and May 31, 2009.

Requirements: Applicants must submit a completed application by the deadline of June 30, 2009 in order to be considered for this award. Applications must include the following:

1. A written essay detailing applicants’ volunteer service and why they feel they should be considered for this award.
2. A description of applicants’ volunteer service including dates of service, time involved and tasks accomplished.
3. Amount of award funding applicant is seeking.
4. A description of the applicants’ intended use of potential award funding.
5. A letter from the service organization, on organization letterhead, documenting and verifying the applicants’ service.

Selection: The Committee of Donors to the MHSA Volunteer Award Program shall review all completed applications which have been submitted prior to the deadline and determine whether awards will be distributed.

Awards: The committee may distribute a total maximum of $3,000 in awards in a given year. Award amounts can range from $1.00 to a maximum of $1,000 for any individual award.

Stipulations: The following stipulations apply to the MHSA Volunteer Award Program:

1. In the event that the committee determines that there are no suitable applicants or that insufficient applications have been submitted, the committee is not required to either make any awards nor to distribute any of the award funding.
2. Award funding must be used solely for equestrian educational purposes including but not limited to equestrian schools, clinics, and seminars which further the applicants riding and horsemanship skills.
3. Award funds will be paid directly to the award recipients’ service provider and shall not be paid directly to an award recipient.
4. Award recipients’ must submit a detailed invoice for the recipients’ service provider including name, address, phone number and tax ID number for any payment to be made.
5. Some services for equine related activities are not eligible for payment under this program. These include, but are not limited to, braiding, veterinary and blacksmith expenses, shipping, etc.
6. Any funds not awarded may be used, at the discretion of the committee, for educational purposes such as clinics, seminars, guest speakers, etc.

Deadline: Completed applications must be received in the MHSA office on or before June 30, 2009 in order to be considered.

Submit to:
MHSA Volunteer Award Program
P.O. Box 828, Hampstead, MD  21074