Pope Foundation Announces Thoroughbred-Related Grants

The John William Pope Foundation, a grantmaker based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has awarded $80,000 to thoroughbred-related nonprofits during its most recent board meeting. Recipients included Backstretch Employee Services Team of NY for citizenship classes for track employees ($5,000); Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation for a study examining PET technology's use in the early detection of fetlock lesions in horses ($50,000); New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program for their work in caring for retired thoroughbreds ($15,000); and Thoroughbred Charities of America for further grant distribution ($10,000).

"We are grateful for all the work being done for current and retiring thoroughbreds and the welfare of dedicated backstretch and farmworkers," said Pope Foundation board member Amanda Pope. "Our foundation has always maintained a vested interest in creating opportunity, and we know these nonprofits are doing just that for the wonderful people and horses they serve." 

The John William Pope Foundation is a private family grantmaker that supports nonprofit public policy research, education, human services, and the arts with the goal of improving the wellbeing of North Carolinians. Since 1986, the foundation has given more than $170 million to these causes. The Pope Foundation receives its support from the Pope family, the owners and operators of Variety Wholesalers, Inc. Board Member Amanda Pope has been in the thoroughbred industry for over 30 years and is the owner of Whisper Hill Farm, based in Citra, Florida.