Outdoor Equity Fund
The Outdoor Equity Fund by the New Mexico Economic Development Department supports youth access to outdoor education, stewardship, and workforce development in underserved New Mexico communities.
Funder: New Mexico Economic Development Department
Due Dates: June 12, 2026 (Round 1: Tier 2 LOI) | July 31, 2026 (Round 1: Application) | January 12, 2027 (Round 2: Tier 2 LOI) | February 26, 2027 (Round 2: Application)
Funding Amounts: Over $4 million available; Tier 1: $5,000–$40,000; Tier 2: $40,001–$100,000 (invitation only, 24 months max)
Summary: Supports equitable youth access to New Mexico’s outdoors through programs emphasizing stewardship, well-being, and workforce pathways, prioritizing underserved communities.
Key Information: Tier 2 requires a letter of interest and is only open to organizations with $500k+ annual budgets; mandatory info session for all applicants.
Description
The Outdoor Equity Fund, administered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Outdoor Recreation Division, funds programs that increase access to nature for youth (up to age 18) across New Mexico—especially those from rural, Indigenous, and historically underserved communities. Grants support nature-based outdoor recreation, environmental education, stewardship, cultural connection, and workforce development, aiming to dismantle barriers to the outdoors and foster the next generation of conservationists and outdoor leaders.
