It’s a common misconception that nonprofit organizations operate under fundamentally different rules than businesses. In reality, nonprofits face many of the same challenges related to funding, sustainability, management, and strategic planning. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Centaur Stride—a therapeutic riding center in Chautauqua County, New York, which for over 30 years has delivered vital services to individuals with and without disabilities. Their journey offers a powerful example of the entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen that nonprofits must cultivate in order to succeed.

The Business of Doing Good: The Nonprofit Dilemma

Many workers leave their jobs at the office and enjoy the predictability of a regular paycheck and benefits. For entrepreneurs, managers, and especially nonprofit leaders, the demands are far greater—and the rewards are often less tangible in a financial sense. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 50% of small businesses nationwide survive five years or more, and only a third make it past a decade. Nonprofits—including therapeutic riding centers—face even greater odds against long-term survival, compounded by the unavailability of grants for new organizations, stricter operational budgets, and typically leaner staff structures.

For specialized centers like Centaur Stride, the numbers are even more daunting. Industry research indicates that only one in three new therapeutic riding centers survives beyond three years. Of those, just 20% last longer than five years. The reasons are clear: grant funding is rarely available at startup, most grants don’t cover operating expenses, and cash flow is consistently unpredictable. In a challenging funding environment, leaders must weave together resources from fundraising, volunteers, and community support to stay afloat.

Centaur Stride’s Origin Story: Filling an Unmet Need

Centaur Stride was founded in 1993 with a mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horsemanship. The initial inspiration was deeply personal: founder Claudia Monroe saw the lack of local services for both her own son and the students she served as a physical therapist in area schools. The sense of isolation and limited social and physical activities for children with disabilities, particularly in rural counties like Chautauqua, was a persistent issue. Monroe and a small group of like-minded friends developed the organization’s business plan, formed a board, and spent nearly three years building the groundwork required to gain nonprofit status and open their doors.

Centaur Stride’s blueprint was unapologetically business-minded from the start. While the aim was altruistic, the founders knew only strategic program development, rigorous fundraising, and strong organizational planning would ensure their mission’s longevity. The center opened only after cultivating sufficient community backing and an enthusiastic board willing to work on a volunteer basis.

Keeping the Lights On: Volunteers, Fundraising, and Community

Centaur Stride’s operations highlight the fragile financial ecosystem many nonprofits occupy. Unlike many larger organizations, Centaur Stride has no paid administrative staff; all executive and operational work is handled by the board of directors and committed volunteers. Starting with just one paid instructor, the organization has been able to grow the team to three part-time instructors, one assistant, and a barn manager—reflecting the gradual gains made from careful budget management and outside support.

Volunteers remain the lifeblood of Centaur Stride, filling critical roles in administration, programming, horse care, and events. National data from AmeriCorps reports that nearly 77 million Americans volunteer annually, contributing an estimated $184 billion in economic value to the United States’ charitable sector. This trend is reflected at Centaur Stride, where a small core of volunteers has allowed the center to maximize scarce resources and focus on its mission rather than constant financial crisis management.

Program Innovation and Mission-Driven Services

One of Centaur Stride’s distinguishing features is its integrated programming for people with and without disabilities, with an emphasis on physical, emotional, and social wellness. The organization has prioritized keeping fees as affordable as possible—well below the actual cost of service delivery—to ensure accessibility. Most programs are maintained through donations, local fundraisers, and occasional grant awards that allow the center to offer free programming to targeted populations when possible.

Among their latest innovations is the “Volunteer Transitions” program, which offers people with disabilities guided volunteer experience. This initiative, currently supported by the Westfield Fund, provides valuable life and employment skills to its participants, furthering Centaur Stride’s mission of inclusive community engagement.

Fundraising in Action: Keeping the Mission Alive

Like many nonprofits, Centaur Stride depends heavily on creative fundraising. Their current efforts include a Summer Basket Raffle—culminating in a community open house event—and a vacation house raffle at the Westfield Arts & Crafts Festival. These events not only raise critical funds but also increase visibility and bring together local supporters, business sponsors, and returning families. Such outreach is vital in a sector where consistent revenue streams are elusive, and community-based fundraising often makes or breaks program continuity.

Despite these resource hurdles, Centaur Stride continues offering gift certificates and accepting donations year-round, allowing supporters to make a direct impact on the lives of both longstanding and new participants.

Looking Nationwide: Challenges and Trends in the Nonprofit Sector

The struggles Centaur Stride faces are echoed across the nonprofit sector nationwide. In 2024, the National Center for Charitable Statistics reported that over 1.8 million active nonprofit organizations in the U.S. collectively contributed $1.5 trillion to the economy. However, the vast majority are small and must contend with rising costs, competition for grant funding, and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated digital transformation but also diminished traditional fundraising outlets.

At the same time, nonprofits increasingly report a shortage of volunteers, with a 2024 Nonprofit Trends Report indicating that many organizations are struggling to return to pre-pandemic volunteer levels. This environment necessitates ongoing adaptation, innovation, and sometimes, difficult choices about how to sustain core programs while maintaining organizational health.

The Road Ahead

Centaur Stride’s ability to weather economic challenges and program stresses stands as a testament to the business skills, community support, and volunteer spirit essential in the nonprofit world. As they plan for future growth and sustainability, their journey highlights a larger truth: even nonprofits need a business side.

To support their ongoing work, the community is encouraged to participate in upcoming fundraisers, donate, or consider volunteering. Those interested in giving or learning more about upcoming programs can visit Centaur Stride’s official linktree or call (716) 326-4318.