Outdoor Equity Fund

Outdoor Equity Fund is sponsored by State of New Mexico. Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et

Outdoor Equity Fund - New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division Outdoor Equity Fund Funds Distributed: $10,521,554 Grant Cycle Opens July 1, 2026 FY27 cycle open July 1-30, 2026 Outdoor Equity Fund Grant Guide Please review our Grant Guide to learn more about the application process and eligibility requirements.

Access to the outdoors is a basic human right — yet many young people, particularly in rural, Indigenous, and historically underserved communities, face significant barriers to experiencing the physical, mental, and social benefits of connecting with New Mexico’s great outdoors.

The first-of-its-kind Outdoor Equity Fund, established in 2019, aims to break down these barriers and ensure equitable access to the outdoors for all youth in New Mexico. This grant supports transformative outdoor experiences that foster stewardship and respect for New Mexico’s lands, waters, and cultural heritage while connecting youth to career pathways in the outdoors.

Since being established, the Outdoor Recreation Division has awarded over $10. 5 million, enabling more than 128,000 youth across 23 counties to participate in educational outdoor experiences that nurture health and well-being and build a lifelong connection to the outdoors. These programs inspire and shape the next generation of land stewards, conservationists, and outdoor leaders.

A new Tier 2 funding category has been announced for FY 27, offering grants from $41,001–$100,000 for high-impact youth outdoor programs. Read the Grant Guide for requirements and details.

The Outdoor Equity Fund is open to a wide range of public and nonprofit entities in New Mexico, including: Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations Municipalities and Counties Public preschools, K-12 schools Public colleges and universities FY27 Grant Cycle Timeline June 1-12 at 5:00 p. m. MT: Tier 2 Letters of Interest accepted July 1-31 at 5:00 p.

m. MT : Applications for both tiers open January 1-12 at 5:00 p. m.

MT : Tier 2 Letters of Interest accepted February 1-26, 2027 at 5:00 p. m. MT : Applications for both tiers open May 27, 2026, 12:00 p.

m. MT : Tier 2 Info and Q&A Session: email evan. pilling@edd.

nm. gov for link to view the recording June 24, 5:30 p. m.

MT : Tier 1 Info and Q&A Session: bit. ly/oeftier1info June 25, 12:00 p. m.

MT : Tier 1 Info and Q&A Session: bit. ly/oeftier1info2 Contact Grants Coordinator Evan Pilling at evan. pilling@edd.

nm. gov , or book a one-on-one meeting . Funding breakdown by program: Outdoor Equity Fund: $10,521,554 Outdoor Marketing Grant: $846,871 Total funds distributed by all programs: Tamaya Wellness Center: Expanding outdoor access for Santa Ana Pueblo youth “Many of our kids don’t realize how connected they already are to the natural world through our culture.

Their names, their family histories, and even our traditional teachings are tied to nature. Through these programs, we’re helping them make those connections in a more tangible way. ” - Tanya Chino, Recreation Program Manager, Santa Ana Pueblo Village of Los Lunas Open Space (Parks and Recreation Department) 4KINSHIP, FS Inspiring Children Foundation Silver Stallion Bicycle & Coffee Works, Inc. Aldo Leopold Charter School