The answer to this question is a simple, but detailed one.  The Western Dressage Association® of America chose to pursue and become a nonprofit organization for many reasons, including fulfillment of our educational mission, greater opportunities for private funding and benefits of tax exemption… but the primary motivation was for YOU!

When an organization applies for nonprofit status it states that it is declaring that its association is motivated by other goals then making a profit.  That is not to say a nonprofit cannot make money, but those surplus funds remain within the organization and are applied to charitable purposes. In the case of the WDAA, funds are used to develop educational offerings.

As a 501(c)(3) no individual or stakeholder receives the net earnings of the WDAA; those “profits” are distributed throughout the Association go to fulfill the mission and to benefit all who participate in or are affected by the association's offerings.

Being a 501(c)(3) also means, that the WDAA will not offer preferential treatment to any single trainer, judge, school of horsemanship, etc.  We focus on our educational mission and welcome all others who share the same vision.

One of the best benefits of 501(c)(3) status is that the organization is also exempt from paying most federal taxes as well as some state and local taxes. This benefit allows those dollars be applied to development and educational programs in the WDAA.

Having 501(c)(3) status, also allows the WDAA to secure funding through donations and grants.  Individuals and corporations often give to 501(c)(3) organizations because in addition to supporting a wonderful mission, those donations are deductible from federal and state income taxes as charitable contributions. Thus the donor supports a cause they believe in and also gets the reward of a tax break as an added thank you. The donor gets to write off the pre-tax income and the organization benefits from having more funding available for programs and offerings. Access to grants allows for more opportunities for finances as well. Many grants are specifically available for 501(c)(3) organizations which have an educational and charitable purpose.

The WDAA has the ability to extend 501(c)(3) status under an Affiliate Group Exemption, so that Recognized State Affiliates share these same benefits.  States with an Affiliate Group Exemption, have committed to high standards of operation and have more freedom in funding for their clinics, shows and events, as a result of the ease their financial burden resulting from the benefits of 501(c)(3) status.

There are other remunerations of 501(c)(3) status. Most importantly, the WDAA applied for this recognition with our educational purpose in mind.  The WDAA is loyal to and always mindful of our mission.

We honor the horse;
we value the partnership of horse and rider;
and we celebrate the legacy of the American west.

With 501(c)(3) status, the WDAA can build our educational offerings and programs with a targeted focus and the equestrian community in mind.
Support from individuals and corporate partners, ensures the continuation of these programs.  Whether your sponsorship comes as a donation toward membership, as a Founding Pioneer, a Silver or Gold Concho Membership Level, or from a corporate gift, you can be assured that each dollar has value!

The WDAA is humbled by the generosity of its many friends and honored that you share our belief in the mission that guides this Journey!

The Western Dressage Association® of America is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization focused on providing a model of horsemanship which optimizes the partnership of horse and rider for their mutual benefit.  The mission of the Western Dressage Association® is to honor the horse, to value the partnership between horse and rider and to celebrate the legacy of the American West which it focuses on through its offerings of educational opportunities and events to the equestrian community. Read more about Western Dressage and the WDAA at their website http://www.westerndressageassociation.org.