Financial Assistance Program

At Solid Ground, we believe that equine assisted services should be accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Our sliding scale financial assistance program is designed to help reduce barriers to participation for families with demonstrated financial need.

About Our Financial Assistance Program

Our sliding scale program offers reduced fees ranging from 30% to 90% off our standard program rates, based on household size and income level. This program is made possible through generous donations and grant funding dedicated to increasing access to our services.

Important Information for Applicants

  • Limited Funding: Each session has a designated budget for financial assistance. Once this budget is allocated, additional requests may not be fulfilled even if eligibility requirements are met.
  • Application Timing: We encourage you to apply for financial assistance as early as possible before your desired program start date.
  • Ongoing Consideration: If we cannot accommodate your request for the current session due to budget constraints, you may apply to future sessions and programs.
  • Priority Consideration: Priority may be given to first-time participants and those with demonstrated therapeutic need, though all eligible applications are thoughtfully reviewed.
  • Confidentiality: All financial information provided is kept strictly confidential and is reviewed only by authorized staff and/or Board members.

Sliding Scale Eligibility Guidelines

Financial assistance is determined based on total household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The table below shows our current sliding scale discount tiers:

Family Size 90% Discount 60% Discount 30% Discount 0% Discount
1 $0 – $14,580 $14,581 – $21,141 $21,142 – $26,390 $26,391+
2 $0 – $19,720 $19,721 – $28,594 $28,595 – $35,693 $35,694+
3 $0 – $24,860 $24,861 – $36,047 $36,048 – $44,997 $44,998+
4 $0 – $30,000 $30,001 – $43,500 $43,501 – $54,300 $54,301+
5 $0 – $35,140 $35,141 – $50,953 $50,954 – $63,603 $63,604+
6 $0 – $40,280 $40,281 – $58,406 $58,407 – $72,907 $72,908+
7 $0 – $45,420 $45,421 – $65,859 $65,860 – $82,210 $82,211+
8 $0 – $50,560 $50,561 – $73,312 $73,313 – $91,514 $91,515+

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Application: Complete the application form below.
  2. Gather Documentation: Submit one of the following documents within the application to verify your household income:
    • Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) – first two pages only
    • Two most recent pay stubs for all employed household members
    • Social Security, disability, or retirement benefit statements
    • Unemployment benefit documentation
    • SNAP/food stamp eligibility letter
    • Oregon Health Plan (OHP) enrollment documentation
    • Free/reduced lunch program qualification letter
  3. Submit Your Application
  4. Application Review: Applications are typically reviewed prior to registration close for each session. You will be notified of your eligibility status and discount level by phone or email.

If you have questions about our financial assistance program or need help with the application process, please contact us.