Request for Proposals for FY2026 Iowa Race Horse Aftercare Fund

Notice - Request for Proposals for FY2026 Iowa Race Horse Aftercare Fund

• Thursday, January 15, 2026

• News Release

The 2022 Legislature created the Iowa race horse aftercare organization assistance fund in Iowa Code Section 99D.27A.  The statute provides for the fund to be under the control of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, and funded by fines collected by the commission under this chapter and such other moneys deposited in the fund. Moneys in the fund shall be distributed, under the sole control of the commission, to organizations, exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, dedicated for race horse aftercare subject to the requirements of this section.  Organizations applying for the funds must submit evidence of their existence for a minimum of three years.  Priority will be given to organizations involved in the rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming of former race horses that raced in the state of Iowa that have governing boards comprised of pari-mutuel industry occupational license holders.

The balance of the fund is approximately $33,115.00, and based off of timing of receipts or any carryover.  By this public announcement, notice is hereby given that parties interested in submitting a proposal for the Iowa Race Horse Aftercare Fund for FY 2026 should submit their request to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), via email at IRGC@Iowa.gov by 3:30 PM on February 13, 2026.  Requests should include the following:

1. Number of Iowa- raced horses in your organization’s care:

-These are horses that raced at a racetrack located in Iowa
2. Number of Iowa- bred horses in your organization’s care:

-These are racehorses that are part of the Iowa Bred program
3. Number of adoptable horses in your organization’s care;
4. Further explain how your organization is involved in the rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming of former race horses that raced in the state of Iowa;
5. Describe how the funds will be used
6. Provide a copy of the Iowa Secretary of State’s Certificate of Existence
7. Provide a copy of the IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter
8. Provide a W-9