Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) Grant

The Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) Grant, offered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, provides funding ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 to tax-exempt organizations. This initiative promotes outdoor recreation and environmental education for under-served populations, including low-income and minority groups. By fostering partnerships with local organizations, CO-OP aims to enhance accessibility to outdoor activities, ensuring that all Texans can enjoy and engage with nature responsibly.

The Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) grant provides funding to tax-exempt organizations for programming that engages under-served populations in TPWD mission-oriented outdoor recreation, conservation and environmental education activities.
The success of this program lies in the partnerships created between TPWD and grass-roots organizations who have already established a relationship with these identified targeted audiences; females, physically/mentally challenged, ethnic minorities, low income and youth.
What We Fund
CO-OP provides grants to tax- exempt organizations ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. This is a reimbursement grant program. Recipients must purchase eligible items and submit proper documentation before being reimbursed.

Eligibility

Grants are available to tax-exempt organizations such as local government, Universities, school districts and non-profit organizations.This program builds relationships with constituencies who have been under-represented in Texas Parks & Wildlife Department activities and programs.Target audiences served include low income, ethnic minority, female and physically or mentally challenged participants.Eligible organizations can apply to use these funds for programming expenses such as personnel, food, travel expenses, participant liability insurance, entrance fees, outdoor recreation equipment and environmental education supplies.Eligible activities include:Archery Rock Climbing / Rappelling Shooting SportsMatching funds or sponsor contribution is not required.Only one active grant award is allowed per organization.

Ineligibility

Funds cannot be used for facility construction projects, gazebos, ponds, benches, trail building, etc. The CO-OP grant is to be used to fund programs, not construction projects.Indirect expenses will not be allowed.