Foundation and Scholarships

Investing in the Future of Delaware’s Equine Industry

Welcome to the Delaware Equine Council Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting education and strengthening the future of Delaware’s equine and agricultural communities.

We believe that today’s students and skilled professionals are tomorrow’s industry leaders. Through scholarships, educational support, and the generosity of our members, donors, and community partners, we help individuals pursue the knowledge and training needed to make a lasting impact on the equine and agricultural industries.

Ready to learn more?

Delaware Equine Council Foundation College Scholarship Program

Each year, the Delaware Equine Council Foundation awards scholarships to outstanding students pursuing college degrees in equine, agricultural, and related fields of study.

Applications are accepted each fall and winter and include an essay component. A panel of respected professionals with expertise in the equine and agricultural industries carefully evaluates each application to select the scholarship recipients.

Scholarships are presented during the Delaware Equine Council Foundation Annual Banquet each March, recognizing students for their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to the future of the industry.

Delaware Equine Council Trade & Continuing Education Scholarship

The Delaware Equine Council recognizes that many successful careers in the equine industry are built through hands-on training, certifications, and skilled trades. To support these important career paths, the DEC offers the Delaware Equine Council Trade Scholarship.

This scholarship provides financial assistance to one or more individuals enrolled in an equine-related trade program, continuing education course, certification program, apprenticeship, or licensing program.

Eligible programs may include careers such as:

🎓Farriery

🎓Equine Veterinary Technology

🎓Equine Dentistry

🎓Saddle Fitting

🎓Equine Massage Therapy

🎓Stable Management

🎓Riding Instructor Certification

🎓And other equine-related trades and professions

Whether pursuing a traditional college degree or specialized industry training, the Foundation is committed to helping individuals gain the education and skills needed to strengthen Delaware’s equine community.

Supporting Tomorrow’s Equine Leaders

The Delaware Equine Council Foundation scholarship programs are made possible through the support of the Delaware Equine Council, generous donors, sponsors, fundraising events, and community partners.

Every contribution helps create educational opportunities, develop future industry professionals, and preserve the strength and vitality of Delaware’s equine and agricultural industries for generations to come.

Take the Next Step

Whether you’re a student pursuing your educational goals or a supporter looking to invest in the future of Delaware’s equine industry, we’d love to have you join us.

2027 Scholarship Dinner & Fundraiser

Join us on Saturday, March 20, 2027, at the Harrington Casino Gold Room for an evening supporting the future of Delaware's equine industry.

Enjoy dinner, scholarship presentations, live and silent auctions, raffles, games, and fellowship with members of Delaware's equine community. Through the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and attendees, the Delaware Equine Council Foundation has awarded more than $112,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in equine and agricultural fields.

Purchase Your Tickets Today

Support educational opportunities for deserving students while enjoying one of the Foundation's premier events of the year.


Become a Scholarship Sponsor

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, organizations, and individuals who want to support Delaware's equine community while gaining valuable visibility throughout the year.

Sponsorship levels range from Bronze ($125) to Diamond ($1,500) and include benefits such as event tickets, scholarship recognition, directory advertising, website and newsletter recognition, and event promotion.

Become a Sponsor Today

View the sponsorship flyer for complete details or use the button below to purchase a sponsorship.

2026 Scholarship Winners

In 2026 the Foundation granted six scholarships to students totaling $8,250!

Kaitlyn Collins- 2026 DEC Scholarship Winner

Kaitlyn Collins

$1,500
Tarleton State University
Delaware Equine Council Scholarship

Beth Collins- 2026 M&T Bank Scholarship Winner

Beth Collins

$1,500
University of Delaware
M&T Bank Scholarship

Kassidy Hearn- 2026 George Parris Scholarship Winner

Kassidy Hearn

$1,500
Oklahoma State University
George Parris Memorial Scholarship

Malory Wood- 2026 Scholarship Winner

Malory Wood

$1,500
University of Delaware

Dillana Reed- 2026 Scholarship Winner

Dillana Reed

$1,500
Delaware Valley University

Nicolette Dallman-2026 Trade Scholarship Winner

Nicolette Dallman

$750
East Coast Horseshoeing School
DEC Trades Scholarship

Sponsors

$1,500 Diamond Sponsors

  • Delaware Equine Council

$1,000 Platinum Sponsor

  • M&T Bank

$500 Gold Sponsor

  • JoAnn Santivasci: In Memory of George Parris
  • Bryce Lingo of Jack Lingo Realtor
  • Caltagirone Legal, LLC
  • Delaware Department of Agriculture
  • Anonymous Donor

$250 Silver Sponsor

  • Delmarva Driving Club

$125 Bronze Sponsor

  • Peter & Susan Lee: In Memory of George Parris

Judging Panel

Dr. Michelle Egli

Delaware Equine Clinic

Ms. Allison Scott

Lake Forest FFA

Dr. Sharon Little

A. Little Veterinary Clinic

Special Thanks to:

Auctioneering

J.T. Robbins

Door Prizes

Compliments of Chicks Saddlery

DECF Cake

Country Cupcakes

DJ Services

Dr’s Kevin and Marissa Greenberg