Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program

Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Amount: Up to US $100,000
Last Updated: April 20, 2025

Summary

The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program aims to enhance access to outdoor activities for traditionally underrepresented communities, including low-income families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and youth of color. This initiative supports projects that address barriers to outdoor recreation and environmental education. By promoting equitable access to Colorado's natural resources, the program seeks to foster community engagement and empower underserved populations. The funding, up to $100,000, is intended for organizations committed to transformative change in outdoor equity.

Overview

The Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP) invests in organizations that are working to increase access to the outdoors for youth and families from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in outdoor recreation and conservation. Successful applicants propose projects that break down barriers to the outdoors and increase access to outdoor recreation, environmental and conservation-based education, and/or outdoor-related career development for youth and families who: face racial and environmental inequities, are low-income, are from the LGBTQ+ community, are disabled, and/or are members of a Federally-recognized Tribe. ​Outdoor Equity Board Vision and Commitment​ ​The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Board share a vision to change the system that has excluded black, Indigenous, and youth of color, LGBTQIA2S+ youth, youth with disabilities, immigrant and refugee youth, and low-income youth from equitable access to outdoor recreation, nature-based education, and career development​. This inaugural Board is committed to bringing about transformative change in Colorado. Nature access is a fundamental human right, but it is denied to far too many young people. Our hope is to fund and support diverse organizations that provide outdoor education and recreation experiences to underserved youth and families. We are committed to providing funding to organizations that have been unable to apply for this type of assistance due to organizational barriers. The funding opportunities are intended to assist organizations in developing, continuing or accelerating their work. The Outdoor Equity Grant is a first step toward working collaboratively to improve access, representation, meaningful participation, and quality experiences for Colorado’s youth and families in the outdoors. This step is just the beginning, and we will live up to our values showing up authentically for our communities now and in the future.​​ Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program House Bill 21-1318 is the product of an incredible community effort to create a grant program for outdoor organizations focused on creating opportunities for youth and their families from communities who have been historically excluded, so that they have equitable opportunities to get involved in recreational activities and experiencing Colorado’s open spaces, state parks, public lands and other outdoor areas. ​​The bill funds the grant program through a redistribution of lottery money that is earmarked for the general fund. Find funding details in the text of HB21-1318.​ ​​ Program focus should aim to address one or more of the following issues: the racial inequities young Coloradans face in accessing the outdoors, improving environmental justice, accessibility to the outdoors for Colorado youth from historically excluded communities including black, Indigenous, and youth of color, LGBTQIA2S+ youth, youth with disabilities, immigrant and refugee youth, and low-income youth; providing environmental, experiential, outdoor, or stewardship and conservation education. Programs or projects should strive to be culturally responsive. They should raise awareness of and or seek to address the root cause of the disparities Colorado youth experience while trying to access the outdoors, whether youth are from an urban, innercity environment or a rural community. Our goal is to build the Colorado of our future through strategic investments that improve the lives and well-being of youth and their families. Grant amount Applicants may request up to $100,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible Expenses Include:Costs associated with project planning, coordination, implementation, communication and or celebration.General operating grants are eligible as the Board wants to provide as much flexible funding as possible.Physical goods such as gear and or equipment.Staff expenses incurred by the applicant and any contracted service providers for professional services directly related to project outcomes and administration.Costs associated with volunteer engagement and retention, e.g., prizes, awards, food, etc.Expenses associated with acquiring general liability, auto, and worker’s comp insurance necessary to receive grants from CPW.Outdoor structures such as outdoor classroomsEligible Organizations:Non-profitsFor-profitsSchool districtsLocal governmentsFederally-recognized tribesOrganizations who have already received funding from the OEGP are eligible to receive another Outdoor Equity Grant if they have spent at least 50% of their previously awarded Outdoor Equity grant by September 25, 2025. Expense reports demonstrating expenditures must be sent to the Outdoor Equity Grant Program Manager, by September 25, 2025.

Ineligibility

Ineligible Projects:Land acquisitionTrail building or maintenanceTrail equipmentBuilding constructionRenovationsIndoor structures