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American Paint Horse Foundation (APHF)

A charitable Foundation has been established under the auspices of the American Paint Horse Association to preserve the past and to ensure the future. Its mission is to preserve and share the history of the American Paint Horse as well as the individuals and the organizations that played a role in the breed’s development. 

The primary goals of the Foundation to achieve this mission are as follows:

1. To establish and manage a facility with the purpose of collecting, recording, studying, preserving and displaying artifacts, records and memorabilia related to the history of the breed.
2. To develop a library of resource materials pertaining to American Paint Horses, as well as related topics such as equine care, use and genetics.
3. To support, develop and provide educational programs about the breed, as well as related topics such as equine care, handling and horsemanship.
4. To interview the individuals who have witnessed significant events in the history of the breed and the Association.
5. To encourage charitable contributions to support the American Paint Horse Foundation’s mission.
6. To create public awareness of the American Paint Horse, honor the breed’s achievements and celebrate the breed’s contributions to our lives and to the equine and livestock industry.
7. To cultivate and collect art and photography in which the Paint Horse is portrayed.
8. To cultivate individuals and corporations and/or sponsors to assist the Foundation in reaching its financial goals. 

In addition, the APHF also utilizes a three-part strategy—Research, Recognition and Reward. Furthering the goals of the Foundation and the American Paint Horse remains a primary goal through research and identifying those projects that will be beneficial to the breed. 

Rewarding the achievements of American Junior Paint Horse Association members is another primary goal of the Foundation. Participating in AjPHA develops important traits in young people, such as good sportsmanship and a fair, competitive spirit.  As they strive to be their best, youth learn to believe in themselves. Recognition is provided through the scholarship program, which is designed to encourage educational and vocational excellence in young people who have participated in the APHA’s youth activities.  Scholarships provide an opportunity for the recipients to pursue an education in their chosen field. Minimum requirements for scholarship applicants are participation in the AjPHA or APHA for at least one year prior to and at the time of application, academic excellence, and demonstrated potential for continued achievement.  The purposes of these strategies are as follows:

1. To develop and promote in youth an interest in good citizenship through horsemanship and animal husbandry.
2. To establish a program of awards and scholarships for the education and training of youth interested in horsemanship.
3. To encourage donors to contribute funds both through living as well as testamentary gifts and devices to fund scholarships and research. 
4. To establish the means to hold donated artifacts in trust. 
5. To identify research projects and establish funding to accomplish them.
6. To hold and distribute all of the above in trust for such purposes. 

The Foundation believes that research is vital to the continued improvement and growth of the American Paint Horse. The Foundation supports academic research of the American Paint Horse. As funds allow, grants will be given to universities or foundations to identify and study health or genetic problems in the breed. The Foundation accepts any unrestricted donation, including livestock and other contributions. Principal funding is invested in profitable securities, with interest from the principal awarded as annual scholarships or set aside for research.