New Mexico has announced an expansion of its Outdoor Equity Fund by introducing a higher tier of grant funding aimed at supporting larger youth outdoor recreation programs across the state. The updated funding structure allows eligible organizations to apply for grants of up to $100,000, significantly increasing the previous cap of $40,000 and enabling broader, large-scale programming for children and young people.
The Outdoor Equity Fund, established in 2019, was created to ensure that young people across New Mexico—especially those from low-income, rural, and underserved communities—have equitable access to outdoor learning experiences and nature-based activities. Since its launch, the program has distributed millions of dollars in grants supporting initiatives that connect youth with land- and water-based education, recreation, and environmental awareness.
According to state officials, the introduction of the new higher funding tier reflects growing demand from organizations delivering outdoor education and recreation programs. The expanded grants are designed for groups capable of running large-scale initiatives that can reach more participants, strengthen program outcomes, and provide structured outdoor experiences across multiple communities.
The funding will be administered through New Mexico’s Outdoor Recreation Division under the Economic Development Department, which oversees competitive grant selection each fiscal year. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and public institutions working to expand youth engagement with outdoor spaces.
Since its creation, the Outdoor Equity Fund has supported hundreds of programs and connected more than 100,000 young people with outdoor experiences across the state. These initiatives have included environmental education, outdoor skills training, and recreation-based learning designed to improve health, confidence, and community connection among participants.
The state government states that increasing investment in outdoor youth programs is part of a broader strategy to promote wellness, environmental awareness, and equitable access to natural resources. Officials also emphasize that expanded funding will help organizations scale up successful programs and extend their reach into additional counties and tribal communities across New Mexico.
