State announces $4.5 million for outdoor youth programs
Round 1 applications open July 1 for State’s Outdoor Equity Fund
SANTA FE — New Mexico is investing $4.5 million in youth outdoor programs after demand for the State’s Outdoor Equity Fund exceeded available funding by more than 90% last year, $3.7 million above the available amount.
The FY27 investment marks one of the largest annual allocations to date in the highly competitive program, which helps connect youth across New Mexico to outdoor experiences, including hiking, biking, camping, environmental education, cultural programs, conservation projects and workforce development opportunities.
“This growing demand shows how much outdoor access matters to communities across New Mexico,” said EDNM Secretary Rob Black. “The Outdoor Equity Fund helps support young people, create career pathways and strengthen local communities.”
The fund is administered by the State’s Outdoor Recreation Division, under the Economic Development Department of New Mexico.
Applications for Round 1 open July 1 and close July 30 at 5 p.m. A second application round will run from February 1-26, 2027.
Applicants can choose from two mandatory information and Q&A sessions:
- June 24, 5:30 p.m. MT: bit.ly/oeftier1info
- June 25, 12 p.m. MT: bit.ly/oeftier1info2
The fund is designed to help remove barriers that prevent young people from spending time outdoors at a time when childhood health concerns continue to rise statewide. According to the New Mexico Department of Health’s March 2026 report, The Weight of Our Children: New Mexico Childhood Obesity 2025 Update, 42.9% of third graders in New Mexico were reported as overweight or obese in 2025, with the highest rates occurring in American Indian and Hispanic youth.
“Too many New Mexico youth still don’t have easy access to outdoor experiences close to home,” said Outdoor Recreation Division Director Karina Armijo. “The Outdoor Equity Fund helps connect kids to outdoor experiences that encourage active lifestyles, confidence and connection to community.”
The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division and its Outdoor Equity Fund were established in 2019 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Since its launch, the fund has awarded $10.5 million, connecting more than 128,000 youth across 28 counties and Tribal communities to outdoor experiences throughout New Mexico.
Visit nmoutside.com/outdoor-equity-fund to review the grant guide, register for a webinar and apply.
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