Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS ACRES OF HOPE RANCH?

Acres of Hope is a nonprofit equine and farm animal sanctuary and therapeutic retreat space. We rescue animals deemed disposable- especially elderly or unrideable horses and provide a safe haven where both animals and people can find purpose and healing. We have been operating for 10 years and at our current location for the last 3 years.

WHAT IS THE "KEEP HOPE ALIVE" CAMPAIGN SPECIFICALLY FUNDING?

This campaign is focused on operational funding, which includes:

Daily care for rescued horses and animals (feed, hay, supplements)
Emergency and routine veterinary care
Facility upkeep and critical infrastructure (water systems, fencing, fertilizer for hay fields)
Animal supplies (fly gear for summer- mask, boots, fly control) feed buckets, grooming supplies, blankets for winter as needed) poop rakes and shavings as needs 
Insurance, utilities, website and minimal ranch equipment upgrades
We also seek support for ongoing healing and retreat experiences, which are always offered free of charge.

WHY DON'T YOU CHARGE FOR EQUINE/ANIMAL THERAPEUTIC EXPERIENCES?

We believe that healing should never come with a price tag - especially for those in crisis, grief, or service. This includes first responders, widows, college students, single moms, veterans, trauma survivors, special needs groups, families, etc. Your donation allows us to say "yes" to people who need a safe space without ever having to ask for a fee.

ARE THE HORSES RIDEABLE?

No. All horses at Acres of Hope are unrideable due to age, injury, or trauma. But they are still deeply valuable and serve in a powerful way - through ground-based interaction and connection, helping people heal through presence, stillness, and trust-building.

 We are noticing an unprecedented amount of people, therapeutic centers, etc. needing to rehome their unrideable horses- which puts these horses at risk for auction/ slaughter. These horses have worked hard to serve humans and deserve a nice ending to their life.

HOW MANY ANIMALS DO YOU CARE FOR?

Currently, we care for 7 equines,  along with other rescued farm animals. In the 10 years of rescuing we’ve been able to offer a sanctuary  for a total of 19. As funding grows, we hope to expand capacity and rescue more animals who otherwise have no safe place to go. We also hope to launch our “End of Trail” project which will be another avenue for funding for sanctuary/retirement horses (basically like social security for humans).

HOW MANY CLIENTS HAVE YOU SERVED?

AOHR currently serves approximately 15-30 clients per month with potential to grow that number with additional operational funding. Below is a breakdown of the groups served:

Ongoing Monthly Programming:

First Responder Groups: 1-3 small group sessions per month, with 10–12 participants in each.
Critical Responder Needs: 2-6 individualized sessions per month, typically 1–3 participants at a time.
College Students: 2–3 small group sessions per month, with 1–6 students in each.
People with disabilities: Bi-weekly sessions with 8–10 participants.
Seasonal Programming (Summer Only):
Therapeutic Retreats: 1-2 per summer, with 5–7 participants who stay for 4–6 days.
Family Responder Campout: 1–2 per summer, usually around 10 participants.
We have hosted one Youth Group Campout: One overnight event with approximately 150 youth and how to offer more of these in the future

HOW IS AOHR CURRENTLY FUNDED?

Primarily through personal contributions from our founders (Heather and Tony Gamberg), occasional event income, renting out the 2 geodomes when not used for retreats (summer only) and small donations from generous supporters. We do not have paid staff and operate with the help of volunteers. We’re now seeking broader community support to ensure sustainability.

HOW IS MY DONATION USED?

Every dollar goes toward base operations; we have zero paid staff:

Animal care and feed
Essential infrastructure
Supplies and equipment
Operational costs to keep the ranch running

IS MY DONATION TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes! Acres of Hope Ranch is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Receipts will be provided upon request or automatically for online donations.

WHAT IS THE LONG TERM VISION?

To create a sustainable model where rescued animals and hurting humans continue to find refuge, rest, and renewal. We hope to expand our retreat offerings, improve infrastructure, grow our hay production to reduce costs, and establish legacy funding for the ongoing care of elderly equines. Launch the End of trail project to secure funding for sanctuary horses. (Partnering with larger outfitters/rodeos/eventing to ensure their working horses have a safe landing) 

Our more immediate next steps are:

Re-establishing our board: We’ll form an active board, with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, expectations, and engagement.
Restructuring our volunteer program: This will include required training hours, committed volunteer hours, consistent communication, and clear guidelines to ensure safety, sustainability, and mission alignment.
Building intentional fundraising strategies: Including farm-to-table dinners, donor partnerships, and grant initiatives.
Expanding our revenue-generating offerings: Continuing to rent out our geodomes and “Back 40” event space for retreats, weddings, and special events that align with our values.

HOW CAN I MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION?

Donor Box: https://donorbox.org/a-year-of-hope

Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/acresofhope

Website: https://www.acresofhoperanch.com/

Mail a check to our Address: 

14587 N 115th St 

Longmont, CO 80504 

EIN: 81-1485839

HOW ELSE CAN I HELP IF I CAN'T HELP FINANCIALLY?

We welcome:

Prayer support
Volunteers (especially those with horse or ranch experience)
Donated supplies or labor (feed, tack, fencing materials, tools)
Help spreading the word on social media or through personal networks
We believe in the power of collaboration and are open to any ways you feel called to give- so please reach out to connect further Acresofhoperanch@gmail.com