Our Continuing Contributions

Churchill Downs Incorporated has three major areas that serve as priorities for charitable contributions:

United Way

Churchill Downs Incorporated is firmly committed to the United Way in all the communities we serve. Each year, we conduct United Way pledge drives through which we encourage employee participation. Our pledge represents our support of organizations funded by the United Way; therefore, we do not provide additional contributions to United Way-funded agencies.

Industry Organizations

In an effort to better serve racing's equine and human athletes, we are committed to supporting those organizations that direct resources to their health and welfare. We support equine organizations such as the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation as well as organizations that aid humans with brain and spinal injuries. Recognizing the responsibilities that are associated with our industry, we also take a proactive approach to assist in the treatment of problem gaming.

Education

Quality education at all levels is a high priority for Churchill Downs Incorporated. We provide resources and funding to school programs in all the communities that we serve. We strongly support those programs that benefit our children's future and assist adults in education. Churchill Downs Incorporated also supports local communities through two in-house programs: the Churchill Downs Foundation and Helping Hands. A support network for employees in need is provided through the HORSE Program. The Company also offers financial support to retired racehorses through the Green Pastures Program. Scroll down to learn more.

Churchill Downs Foundation

The Churchill Downs Foundation supports the horse racing communities in which Churchill Downs Incorporated owns and manages operations. The Foundation assists community service efforts through charitable giving and a broad range of volunteer activities. Since 1998, Churchill Downs Incorporated has contributed more than $5 million to organizations that support the general welfare of the community, children, youth and families, education, the horse racing industry, and arts and humanities. The Foundation has donated more than $500,000 in monetary contributions since it began granting funds in 2000.

Helping Hands

Through its Helping Hands volunteer program, Churchill Downs Incorporated employees donate thousands of volunteer hours each year to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the therapeutic riding clinics, the Salvation Army, FFA, and many other worthy organizations. Churchill Downs Incorporated employees at every level are encouraged to volunteer for service organizations within their community. Members of our management team from the Company leaders to the frontline employees at each racetrack give of their time and talent by serving their local communities. Many employees serve on the boards of local affiliates of various national non-profit programs, including Volunteers of America, Boy Scouts of America, and United Way. Community Relations departments at each facility organize employee volunteer efforts through the Helping Hands program. In addition, the racetracks often partner with service organizations to create special events on track to raise money for their efforts.

The H.O.R.S.E. Program

Churchill Downs Incorporated recognizes that our employees are fundamentally important to our overall success. The H.O.R.S.E. Program (Helping Others Receive Support in Emergencies) is designed by and for the people who constitute Churchill Downs Incorporated. This program benefits employees directly by responding to the financial distress brought on by unforeseen developments and critical needs. When financial problems cause distress, an employee's work performance may be adversely affected. This program is intended to offer emergency assistance as well as hope and support to those who need it most. The program has helped employees through many difficult situations, including the serious illness or death of an immediate family member and loss of a home due to fire or other accidents. The HORSE Program was instrumental in supporting the Company's employees in New Orleans and the surrounding area who were affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Green Pastures

Each year, thousands of racehorses are retired from racing. Many go on to second careers as stallions, broodmares or pleasure horses. Unfortunately, many other racehorses - typically geldings or horses and mares not suitable for breeding - are retired due to age or injury after long and sometimes unsuccessful racing careers. These horses face an uncertain future because their physical ailments may make them unsuitable for riding and second careers as pleasure horses. For this reason, Churchill Downs Incorporated has partnered with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation to form the Green Pastures Program, a "best practices" initiative that has been implemented Company-wide and will, hopefully, serve as a model for the rest of the horse racing industry. Click the link above to learn more.