Ways to Give to Rhythms of Grace: A Guide for Central Iowa Donors
Every session at Rhythms of Grace has a cost that families never see on their bill. Riding lessons, occupational therapy, and counseling sessions here are highly subsidized, which means the price a family pays covers only part of what it takes to put a trained team and a healthy horse in the arena. Donors cover the rest.
Rhythms of Grace is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Dallas Center, Iowa, west of Des Moines, providing equine-assisted services to children and adults with disabilities and special needs. As the year winds down, many people in central Iowa decide where their giving will go. If you’re considering Rhythms of Grace, this guide walks through each way to give and what your gift supports.
What does a donation to Rhythms of Grace pay for?
General gifts support our programs and day-to-day operations: safe, quality sessions, the training our volunteers complete before they work with riders, and the equipment and facility that make the work possible.
Some gifts go straight to families. Our rider scholarship fund helps families who need financial help to participate, and you can give to the fund in general or earmark a gift for a specific rider.
Other gifts go to the horses. Our horses work with many people each day, and their care includes feed, bedding, shoeing, veterinary care, tack, supplements, and bodywork such as chiropractic care and massage. In 2026, for the first time, every horse in our herd was fully sponsored. We’d love to keep that going in 2027.
What are the ways to give?
The quickest way is online. You can make a gift here using a credit or debit card, ACH, PayPal, or Venmo. Choosing a monthly gift helps us plan for costs that never take a month off, like feeding and caring for the herd.
If you’d rather write a check, mail it to Rhythms of Grace, 23625 River Heights Drive, Dallas Center, IA 50063. Please include your address and email so we can send a receipt.
Beyond those two, there are several other options:
Sponsor a horse. A horse sponsorship covers a year of care for one horse, and half-year sponsorships are available. Sponsors are recognized with a sign at their horse’s gate and can spend a special day with their horse. Visit our horse sponsorship page or read what sponsorship supports.
Give in honor or memory of someone. Tribute and memorial gifts can mark a milestone or remember a loved one, friend, or pet. You can add the name of the person you’re honoring on the online giving form.
Shop our wish list. Our Amazon Wish List lists items we use often for rider activities and horse care.
Donate stock. Contact us for transfer details.
How do I give through a donor-advised fund?
If you have a donor-advised fund, give your fund sponsor these details:
Organization: Rhythms of Grace Equine Therapy
EIN: 85-2634976
Address: 23625 River Heights Dr, Dallas Center, IA 50063
Contact: Dawn Carlson, Founder and CEO, 515-305-7361, Info@RhythmsOfGraceEquine.org
Can I give from my IRA?
If you’re 70½ or older, you may be able to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to a public charity like Rhythms of Grace. The money has to be paid directly from your IRA to the charity, and a QCD can count toward all or part of your required minimum distribution for the year (IRS). Annual limits and other rules apply. Talk with your tax advisor or IRA custodian about whether a QCD makes sense for you, and contact us if you need our information for the transfer.
Will my employer match my gift?
Many employers match the donations their employees make, and some also give to nonprofits where employees volunteer. Check with your HR or community giving team. A matching gift can double what reaches riders and horses with very little extra effort on your part.
When should I give?
Any time works, but two dates matter at the end of the year. GivingTuesday falls on December 1, 2026, part of a worldwide movement that encourages people to give back to their communities (GivingTuesday). And if you plan to deduct your gift on your 2026 taxes, check with your tax advisor about the deadline for your situation. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Looking further ahead, our 2027 FUNdraising Gala is set for February 20, 2027, at Country Lane Lodge. It sells out every year, so watch our Events page for details.
How do I know my gift is used well?
It’s a fair question to ask any nonprofit. Rhythms of Grace holds the 2026 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level Candid awards, earned by sharing an organization’s goals, strategies, and how it measures results (Candid Learning). You can view our Candid profile anytime. We’re also a PATH Intl. Member Center, affiliated since 2020, and a 2026 EQUUS Foundation Guardian, a program focused on transparency in the care and service of horses (EQUUS Foundation).
Whatever size your gift is, it helps a rider get to the arena and keeps a horse healthy enough to meet them there. Give to Rhythms of Grace today.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rhythms of Grace a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
Yes. Rhythms of Grace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 85-2634976. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Can I give to help a specific rider?
Yes. Scholarship gifts can be earmarked for a rider or given to the scholarship fund in general.
Are horse sponsorships available for 2027?
All horses were fully sponsored in 2026, and sponsors have first rights to renew. Ask our team about availability for 2027, including half-year sponsorships.
Who do I contact with questions about giving?
Email Info@RhythmsOfGraceEquine.org or call (515) 305-7361.
