Solid Ground Equine Assisted Services

The Challenge

Solid Ground had built a deeply needed program for Veterans, youth, and families in rural Southern Oregon, but translating that impact into strong, competitive grant language was an ongoing struggle. Executive Director, Shelley Trumbly, RN had worked with ad-hoc grant support in the past, but none of it had helped the organization build a clear strategy or explain its outcomes in a way funders could immediately grasp.

Equine-assisted programs can be tough to fund, and Solid Ground often found itself overlooked despite strong results and growing demand. With more Veterans seeking support, more youth referrals coming in, and new bilingual and mobile outreach efforts on the horizon, they needed a way to turn their story and data into funding that matched the scale of the work.
 

The Journey

Shelley first crossed paths with Elaine through Pacific NW Bulldog Rescue, and the connection turned into something much bigger. Solid Ground soon became one of Just Look Left’s longest-standing clients. From the start, Shelley shared howoverwhelming grants had always felt and how much time she spent trying to guess what funders wanted to hear. Just Look Left stepped in to take that weight off her plate, giving her a partner who could translate the heart of the work into clear, compelling language while also helping her understand the strategy behind each application. Over time, the relationship grew into a true partnership built on trust, consistency, and a shared belief in the healing work happening at the ranch.

The Results

Since working together, Solid Ground has secured meaningful funding for both new and established programs, even in a sector that’s notoriously competitive. The wins are only part of the story. Elaine has visited the ranch with her daughters, and they’ve experienced the calm, grounding effect of the horses firsthand. It was the kind of visit you don’t forget. Even her daughter, who was only one at the time, still remembers that day, which says everything about the atmosphere Shelley and her team have created. The work feels personal now, and the funding strategy reflects that. Solid Ground has a clearer path forward, stronger messaging, and a grant partner who knows their story from the inside out.