Outdoor Equity Fund

Grant Cycle Closed

FY27 cycle opens July 1, 2026. Tier 2 Letters of Interest opens June 1-12.

Outdoor Equity Fund Grant Guide

Please review our Grant Guide to learn more about the application process and eligibility requirements.

View English Guide

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 28 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.

Who Can Apply?
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
Nonprofit organizations
Public preschools, K-12 schools
Public school districts
Public colleges and universities

FY27 Grant Cycle Timeline

Round 1
June 1-12 at 5:00 PM MT: Tier 2 Letters of Interest accepted
July 1-30 at 5:00 PM MT: Applications for both tiers open

Round 2
January 1-12 at 5:00 PM MT: Tier 2 Letters of Interest accepted
February 1-26, 2027 at 5:00 PM MT: Applications for both tiers open

Mandatory Webinars and Q&A Sessions (Sign up for one per funding cycle. Recordings will be sent to those who cannot attend live.)
Round 1
May 27, 2026, 12:00 PM MT: Tier 2 Info and Q&A Session: bit.ly/oeftier2info
June 24, 5:30 PM MT: Tier 1 Info and Q&A Session: bit.ly/oeftier1info
June 25, 12:00 PM MT: Tier 1 Info and Q&A Session: bit.ly/oeftier1info2

Have questions?
Contact Grants Coordinator Evan Pilling at evan.pilling@edd.nm.gov, or book a one-on-one meeting.