irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $179K
named programs · 1 · from sources
What they call their work
Equine Adoption Program
Rescues, rehabilitates, and places horses in permanent adoptive homes; has facilitated over 300 adoptions to date
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Equine Rescue and Retirement Care 3 activities
- Horse rescue and shelter operationsRescues, shelters, and provides safety and healing for horses at risk of abuse, neglect, or slaughter. The organization operates a 56-acre farm where it cares for an average of 25 horses, including those rescued from neglect situations such as Annabelle, Sam, Charlie, and Sadie.
- Rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming of horsesRehabilitates and retrains rescued horses for second careers or retirement, including off-the-track Standardbreds placed in riding, driving, showing, endurance riding, fox hunting, police service, and equine education. The organization has rehomed over 300 horses since its founding in 2003, with documented adoptions in 2019 and 2020.
- Retirement and end-of-life care for aged horsesProvides retirement opportunities and humane end-of-life care for older horses, ensuring comfort and dignity in their final years.
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Therapeutic Equine-Assisted Programs 1 activity
- Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT)Provides emotional and therapeutic connection through gentle, non-verbal interactions with horses for individuals including children, veterans with PTSD, elderly individuals, and people fearful of horses. Offers Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) specifically designed for people with special needs.
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Animal Welfare Fundraising Events 1 activity
- Fundraising and public engagementOrganizes events such as the annual Gala, manages the organization’s website and social media presence, and promotes ongoing care for rescued horses through a monthly donor program called The Circle of Care.
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Structured Animal Adoption Program 1 activity
- Horse adoption program with post-adoption oversightManages a structured horse adoption program requiring intermediate riding skills, geographic proximity (within 300 miles), adoption fees ranging from $300 to $3,000, annual veterinary check-ups, and compliance with a no-breeding, no-resale, no-lease policy. The organization reserves the right to conduct unannounced farm visits and requires return of horses if rehoming becomes necessary.
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Animal Rescue Volunteer Coordination 1 activity
- Volunteer programs and mentorshipOperates daily morning and evening volunteer shifts involving feeding, grooming, stall cleaning, and herd management. Engages over 200 volunteers annually and provides structured orientation, mentorship for new volunteers, and coordination of group projects and tours to ensure safe and effective participation.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Organizational leadership and accreditationOversees daily operations and leads accreditation efforts with GFAS, Standardbred Transition Alliance, and Equus Foundation to establish Sunshine Horses as a leading equine rescue organization.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$398K
Contributions & grants$431K108%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$6K1%
Other revenue$-40K
expenses
Total expenses$190K
Program expenses94%
Admin / overhead3%
Fundraising2%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$1.08M
Cash$273K
Investments$0
Liabilities$390K
Net assets$690K
Liquid reserves17.2 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +97.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 9
- ASHLEY HAYES — BOARD MEMBER
- BETSY BEDIGIAN — PRESIDENT
- CHRISTINE PETRONE — VICE PRESIDENT
- CINDY ALBRO — DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
- DIANNE SESTAK — EVENT PLANNING AND FUNDRAI
- KAREN FENTON — BOARD MEMBER
- LIESL SAURER — SECRETARY
- MARGARET BOCSOR — TREASURER
- MARY MINKOFF — DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, QU
relationships · 20
Who they work with
- EQUUS Foundation Network — Recognized as a Guardian by the EQUUS Foundation for quality equine care and service.
- Equus Foundation Partner — Partner in equine welfare and accreditation initiatives.
- Gifford Foundation Funder — Corporate sponsor and funder of Sunshine Horses
- Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Partner — Partner in pursuing and maintaining accreditation for equine rescue operations.
- Linda Lebedovych Partner — Individual supporter or partner of Sunshine Horses
- Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment Partner — Corporate sponsor of Sunshine Horses
- Mirror Stables Partner — Partner organization associated with Sunshine Horses
- New York State Horse Council Network — Member organization of the New York State Horse Council, representing the state's horse community.
- News Channel 9 Partner — Collaborated on a media story about the rescue and recovery of the "Fab 4" horses.
- North Country Veterinary Services Partner — Partner organization providing veterinary support to Sunshine Horses
- Northside Collision Partner — Corporate sponsor of Sunshine Horses
- Not specified Partner — Volunteers of all backgrounds, including college students, retired couples, lawyers, and reiki practitioners, participate in horse care and organizational support.
- Pilgrim Partner — Therapeutic horse who engaged with participants in emotional and healing interactions.
- Plank Road Printing Partner — Corporate sponsor of Sunshine Horses
- Robin Young and Mike D’Avirro Partner — Individual supporters or partners of Sunshine Horses
- SUNY Cobleskill Partner — Collaborates to provide equine education using retrained Standardbred horses.
- Standardbred Transition Alliance Partner — Partner in equine transition and rescue accreditation efforts.
- Syracuse Haulers Partner — Corporate sponsor of Sunshine Horses
- Virginia Equine Alliance Partner — Partner organization supporting Sunshine Horses
- community organizations Partner — Collaborates with community organizations to engage volunteers in equine care and adoption preparation.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Engagementmethodology: equine_assisted_therapyBy facilitating human-horse bonding through shared vulnerability, the organization supports personal growth and healing in participants while simultaneously preparing horses for adoption, creating mutual transformation. This approach leverages horses as active agents of emotional connection and therapy, particularly for individuals experiencing trauma, disability, or fear.
- Horse-Human Bond with Dual-Impact Outcomesmethodology: two_generation_approach_animal_humanBy intentionally cultivating the horse-human bond through volunteerism, education, and therapeutic interaction, the organization fosters healing and growth in both people and horses because reciprocal relationships build trust, purpose, and community, extending impact beyond individual species.
- Post-Adoption Welfare Assurancemethodology: post_adoption_monitoringBy implementing rigorous adopter screening, geographic proximity requirements, post-adoption health monitoring, and unannounced farm visits, the organization ensures long-term horse welfare because accountability and ongoing support reduce risk of neglect or improper placement after adoption.
- Rescue-Rehabilitate-Retrain-Rehome Modelmethodology: rescue_rehab_retrain_rehomeBy systematically rescuing, rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming horses—especially retired Standardbreds—the organization improves equine well-being and increases successful adoption outcomes because structured phases address both physical and behavioral needs, enabling transition to new roles or retirement.