Black Boots Venue Rentals Joins Social Enterprise Accelerator Program with Matching Grant Opportunity
We’re thrilled to announce that Black Boots Venue Rentals at the Mary Fields Museum & Conference Center has been selected to participate in the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Social Enterprise Accelerator (SEA) program! This 30-month initiative—running from April 2025 through late 2027—helps nonprofits across Greater Hartford develop sustainable, mission-aligned earned-income ventures.
📖 [Read more from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving]
What This Means for Ebony Horsewomen and Our Community
As one of just four organizations selected for this SEA cohort, Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. and Black Boots Venue Rentals are receiving:
Expert guidance from No Margin, No Mission to sharpen our business strategy
Customized business planning and implementation coaching
Fundraising and startup capital support to successfully launch and grow our venue rental venture
This builds on a proven model: since 2019, 24 local nonprofits have participated in the Accelerator, generating more than $16 million in revenue through social enterprise.
Why This Matters
Strengthening Sustainability:
This opportunity helps us grow a unique venue rental business that directly supports our equine-assisted therapy, youth development, and community programming. Our spaces—enhanced with offerings like horseback riding, hayrides, and educational tours—provide unforgettable experiences while advancing our mission.
Driving Values-Based Innovation:
The Accelerator connects us with mentors and peer organizations who are innovating within the nonprofit sector. Together, we’re building Black Boots Venue Rentals as a space that’s both mission-driven and financially self-sustaining.
Deepening Community Engagement:
Located in Hartford’s historic 693-acre Keney Park, Black Boots Venue Rentals offers a peaceful, scenic environment where people can gather for weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions, and community celebrations—while supporting a nonprofit that has served the community for over 40 years.
Our Next Steps
In the coming months, we will:
Raise critical startup capital—and thanks to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, every dollar you donate will be matched dollar-for-dollar (up to 50% of our goal, not to exceed $30,000) until September 17
Launch marketing and outreach to drive bookings
Begin hosting events that highlight our venue’s natural beauty and unique equestrian elements
Join Us and Double Your Impact
We are incredibly grateful to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and No Margin, No Mission for supporting Black Boots Venue Rentals.
Now we need your help. Your donation helps us build an inclusive, affordable event space that celebrates culture, healing, and community—and every dollar you give will be matched through September 17!
👉🏾 [CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT BLACK BOOTS VENUE RENTALS]
A mission-driven event space—rooted in strength, designed for gathering.
Stay tuned for updates, upcoming events, and the launch of our dedicated Black Boots Venue Rentals webpage. Want to bring your next event to our space? Contact us today to learn more and be part of our inaugural season.