Socks as a Fundraising Tool for an Equine-Assisted Services Center

Maintaining an equine-assisted service center for low-income populations presents unique challenges, such as high costs for equine care, skilled staff, facilities, materials, and continuous improvements that demand sustainable resources. This study aimed to diversify funding sources through product sales, which also promotes the center’s cause and helps build partnerships. The initial strategy involved creating a horse-themed product: a specially designed sock made in partnership with a sock company, logistics center, display company, and retailers. Six unique designs were produced, with each purchase linked to therapy support; for example, six pairs of socks fund one therapy session, sixty pairs fund a month, and six hundred pairs fund a year. At a business event, a company purchased six hundred pairs of socks as employee gifts, integrating social responsibility with corporate culture. Within three months, the initial investment was recouped, and clients were encouraged to share photos on social media, enhancing visibility. This study concludes that creating a cause-related product can successfully generate awareness and diversify funding, which is critical for the financial sustainability of equine-assisted services centers.