We understand that you have many options when it comes to donating your hard-earned money, and are honored that you are even considering our program. Over the years, we have practiced good financial methods, in both business and life. We keep careful records of how money is allocated, and maintain a debt-free lifestyle. This is one of the reasons progress in our new facility is so slow--we do everything in our power to avoid debt, and only expand or improve as we can afford to do so out of pocket, or with the compensation money we receive from the TIP program.
Because the primary focus on our farm is public education through our clinics, and the adoption of TIP horses, we have checked with our financial advisor about becoming a non-profit farm. With all things considered, he recommended we NOT go that route at this time. It is an extremely involved process, and would offer no benefit to the farm at this time, while stealing away precious time that could be spent helping the horses. So, based on his recommendation, be aware that your donation is not tax deductible. For our tax purposes, it will reduce our expense reporting. You could, however, talk with your tax advisor about the possibility of your larger donation qualifying under the IRS Gift tax rules.
In the past, we were partially funded by generous supporters through our Patreon membership program. Unfortunately, we discovered that Patreon had some issues, and kept a significant percentage of the moneys donated through their platform. Our donors were understandably not happy with this, as they wanted 100% of their donation to go toward the farm, and we agreed! We cancelled that platform and have been working on establishing a new donation program since. The simplest and easiest method for both us and our donors is a simple check or cash donation. While we do offer Paypal if you prefer to use a credit card, be aware that Paypal also keeps a percentage of every donation.
That being said, we understand that if you choose to donate towards our program, you may want to know how your funds are being utilized. We can offer several options:
1. Donate to our "General Mustang Fund". This is essentially a seperate bank account that pools funds to help us with every-day, Mustang-related expenses. This is ideal for donors who may only have a few dollars to offer. You can simply send us a check (written to "Red Gate Farm" and write "General Mustang Fund" in the memo line). We add that to the pool of smaller donations to cover whatever expenses arise--be it facility maintenance, bedding, hay, training supplies, etc.
2. Donate to a specific project listed above. Whether you can offer a small amount or desire to cover the entire cost of a large project, you can send a check (again, written to "Red Gate Farm" and write the desired project title as listed above in the memo line). If your donation doesn't quite cover the cost, we will deposit the check, but keep track of donations towards that specific project. When we have the funds to complete it, we will do so. You will get to see the result, in time, on our facebook page, on our YouTube channel, and/or even in person through our clinics and other events (once we finish the needed facilities to kick those off again!)
3. If you desire to know exactly how your donation is used, and would like to see it put to use immediately without being added to the larger fund pool, we are happy to give a list of our vendors. You can call and work through the vendor directly to purchase the needed items, let us know, and depending on the vendor, they will either ship or we can go pick the items up. For example, we can give you the details for our deal with a local vendor for rolls of 6' tall 2x4 horse safe fencing. You can call and order the fencing, pay the vendor directly, and we will go pick it up! We have established vendors for our bedding, supplements, minerals, fencing, treated structural posts, tack, and training supplies, and we are always willing to offer that info!
Thanks again for considering our program, and for your desire to help get mustangs out of holding and into adoptive homes! Over the years, we have mentored dozens of adopters, and either personally adopted or gentled and adopted out nearly 40 BLM mustangs, with almost 30 in just the last 3 years! With your help, we look forward to watching our program grow and help even more!
Ready to Donate?
Paypal donations can be sent to "manager@redgatefarmllc.com"
Checks should be addressed to "Red Gate Farm, LLC" and mailed to:
Red Gate Farm, LLC
PO Box 304
Creal Springs, IL 62922
For a specific vendor purchase, please contact us directly.
Let us know your interest, and we will be happy to offer all the needed information.