ATC Foundation grants for drought relief

Drought-affected racing participants in NSW can now apply for grants from the Australian Turf Club's newly established ATC Foundation.

The ATC Foundation was announced in October to oversee collections and programs for charitable organisations to enhance the club's support of racing in its communities.

The initial grants are from money raised through the sale of Everest pins and other ATC and Racing NSW spring carnival initiatives ($45,000) and a percentage of prize money ($50,000) won by the ATC's Everest runner Osborne Bulls who finished thirdin the race on October 13.

The Foundation's board, chaired by ATC director Lauri Macri, has invited registered charities, NSW race clubs and racing industry bodies helping to aid drought relief to apply for the inaugural grants.

Macri said the invitation period for grants would be open for the next four weeks with applicants required to demonstrate that fundraising efforts were for drought-related causes with a specific focus on the racing industry.

"I'm proud of the fact that in our first three months the ATC Foundation has raised close to $100,000," Macri said.

"We invite all applicants to check out details on our website and apply to help out racing industry participants and groups who are affected by drought."