How To Help

You can help to support the work of Thorncroft!

Did you know 35% of our annual budget is raised thru special events, gifts from friends like you and the United Way? You can make the difference! This year designate your United Way donation to Thorncroft by using our "Specific Code" - 01160. For more information please talk to your employer or write to us. Contributions to Thorncroft support scholarships for nearly two-thirds of our therapeutic riders, professional development opportunities for Thorncroft staff and outside instructors, and overall facility improvements. What follows is a brief overview of some of the most common ways of supporting Thorncroft.

• As a non profit 501(c)(3), Thorncroft may receive tax deductable donations of funds and tangible personal property.
• We are exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our Sales and Tax certificate of exemption may be requested by calling Thorncroft 610.644.1963.
• Our Certificate of Registration with the Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organizations is No. 8125. Our Employer Identification Number is 23-2218431.

Through the United Way

Your United Way Contributions can also go directly to Thorncroft. When you complete the form with your company, just use our Specific Care Code 01164. Your efforts will guarantee the future success of our therapeutic riding programs.

Annual Appeal

Annual gifts are the lifeblood of Thorncroft, providing current and immediately expendable support for daily operations. These funds benefit therapeutic scholarships; feed, grain, hay for the horses; professional development opportunities for instructors and upgrades to the riding arenas. Virtually, all areas of the farm benefit from annual gifts. Gifts are most commonly made by cash or appreciated securities, the latter providing a double tax benefit, assuming the securities have been held for more than one year. Please consider the Annual Appeal as a way to support Thorncroft's mission.

Special Events

Thorncroft’s two major annual event fundraisers are the Victory Gallop in the spring and Dressage at Devon in early fall. Both are great fun, while providing substantial revenue for a worthy cause. These events also provide wonderful opportunities for corporate sponsorship, particularly given the large attendance and sponsorship benefits.

Memorial and Honorary Giving

Another wonderful giving opportunity is to make a gift in memory of a loved one or to honor someone on a special day (birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc.). These gifts can be given for unrestricted or special purposes.

Special Purpose and Capital Improvements

Thorncroft aspires to become the nationally recognized leader in the field of teaching. Our vision is to cultivate instructors who are nationally recognized as the leaders in their field and to establish an accredited instructors course that attracts students of the highest caliber. Toward this goal, major funds are sought for the Education Center as well as upgrading the grounds and facilities.

Horses and Equipment

We take great care in selecting our stable of horses and ponies. If you have a horse/pony you feel might be a good fit for our program, please contact us. Additionally, we invite you to consider donations of horse blankets, saddles, reins, grooming supplies, riding attire, etc., in good condition. (Those seeking to buy quality used equipment are asked to check out our friends, the Equine Exchange.) Contact Sallie Dixon directly at (610) 644-1963 if you have an interest in donating a horse.

Life-Income Gifts

For donors who wish to make a substantial gift to Thorncroft, but retain maximum income for their lifetime or for that of another beneficiary, a Charitable Remainder Trust may be the answer. A trust combines the benefits of creating income for the donor and the donor’s family, with immediate tax deductions the year the gift is made. A donor transfers property under a trust agreement that specifies how the trust income and principal are to be distributed, and the trust may be created to become effective during life or at death. Payouts to the donor may be either a fixed percentage (unitrust) or a fixed payout (annuity trust). Donor benefits include a charitable deduction equal to the present value of the charitable reminder interest and avoidance of capital-gain tax on the transfer of appreciated, long-term, capital-gain property. When the trust terminates, the assets benefit Thorncroft.

Bequests

By including a bequest in your will, not only can you provide important support for Thorncroft but also reduce or eliminate state and federal estate taxes. Bequests can take various forms – Specific, General, Residual, Contingent – and can support general or restricted purposes. To bequeath money or property to Thorncroft, you and your lawyer may find the following language helpful: “I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to Thorncroft, Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc., a non-profit corporation existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and located at 190 Line Road in the Borough of Malvern, Pennsylvania, (dollar amount) or (specific percentage of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate) for its general purposes (or specify purpose).”

For more information about any of these programs, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at 610.644.1963.