DRESSAGE FOUNDATION INC

The Dressage Foundation’s 5-Year Strategic Vision at a Glance
2019 – 2023

Our Mission: To cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage in the U.S.

Our Vision: That the generosity of many will allow the financial barriers of our sport to be removed, so that every aspect of U. S. dressage will grow and succeed locally, nationally and internationally, through the help and guidance of individuals and organizations who are passionately promoting classical dressage principles.

In 2018, our Board of Directors reviewed responses from the nationwide survey conducted in 2017. Through that feedback, the following key ideas emerged for how we can continue supporting the growth and improvement of U.S. dressage.

1. Increase the accessibility of our sport and proactively cultivate grassroots participation in dressage by amateurs, youth, and all levels of professionals.

There is concern about the viability of our sport if current riders do not stay involved, and if the sport doesn’t bring in new enthusiasts and fans.

2. Strengthen our financial position by increasing fundraising capacity and endowment.

The costs to breed, own, train, and compete dressage horses continue to increase, preventing many from reaching their true potential. As an independent organization separate from the governing bodies of the sport, we are in a unique position to work with donors who want to grow and improve any aspect of U.S. dressage.

3. Increase awareness of grants and programs.

To reach more people, we will focus on increasing communication with our constituents and engaging new friends.

4. Strengthen operations and engagement of our Board and volunteers

We will work to ensure that our processes and procedures continue to keep us accountable to our donors, grant recipients, and the dressage community. We will also seek new members for our team with unique backgrounds and skill sets that will strengthen our organization and challenge us to expand in new and exciting ways.

1. Increase the accessibility of our sport and proactively cultivate grassroots participation in dressage by amateurs, youth, and all levels of professionals.

Strategies include:
- Focus on increasing engagement of grassroots amateurs, youth, and professionals.
- Evaluate current grants for possible expansion of criteria that will enable more people to apply.
- Streamline the application and review process.

2. Strengthen our financial position by increasing fundraising capacity and endowment.

Strategies include:
- Increase the number of donors to help more people.
- Establish a Legacy Society for donors making gifts to TDF in their estate plans.
- Expand our presence in the dressage community through our local representatives and by attending more key events.

3. Increase awareness of grants and programs.

Strategies include:
- Strengthen social media presence.
- Promote TDF through a revamped Benefit Class program at shows.
- Work with equestrian media to regularly reach a broader audience.

4. Strengthen operations and engagement of our Board and volunteers

Strategies include:
- Seek Board members with varied backgrounds, perspectives, and skillsets.
- Review and streamline internal procedures to ensure preparedness and effectiveness.
- Add staff members in order to increase grant-making and fundraising capacities.