From Aug. 21 to Sept. 29, organizations can apply for financial support from the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP), which will award $2 million in Outdoor Equity Grants this December to assist underrepresented youth.

“Colorado is home to world-class outdoors areas, and we are making outdoor experiences more accessible for every Coloradan,” said Governor Jared Polis. “By helping more Coloradans spend healthy time outside, explore new interests, and learn about the outdoors, more children will thrive and access the fun and bright future they deserve.”

The OEGP was created through HB21-1318 sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and David Ortiz and Senators Leroy Garcia and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, and works to increase access to outdoor opportunities for all Coloradans. Through funding from the Colorado Lottery, the OEGP has invested over $3.1 million in grants supporting environmental learning opportunities, outdoor education, exposure to career pathways, public health and outdoor fun for underserved youth and families.

Nonprofits, government entities, school districts, for-profits and federally recognized tribes that wish to increase outdoor access for traditionally excluded youth (including youth from low-income and communities of color, LGBTQ+ youth, youth who are members of Tribal Nations with historical ties to Colorado, and youth with disabilities) can apply for grants up to $100,000.

In order to continue to support quality outdoor experiences for Colorado youth, organizations who have previously received Outdoor Equity Grant funding may reapply this year. Organizations who have spent more than half of their previously-awarded funds, or who plan to do so by Sept. 29, are eligible to apply.

“Though Colorado is known as a hub for outdoor experiences, our recreation and conservation spaces do not yet reflect our state’s population,” said Benilda Samuels, Outdoor Equity Grant Board member. 

Colorado Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Dan Gibbs added, “We encourage all organizations whose mission includes increasing access to the outdoors for youth to apply and help Colorado continue to build a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible outdoors for all.” 

The OEGP Board is committed to providing funding to organizations that have traditionally been unable to apply for grant programs due to organizational barriers, and encourages organizations of all sizes and with diverse missions to apply. The board will provide applicant guidance through a virtual Q&A session for applicants on Thursday, Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. The link to register for the Q&A session can be found on the OEGP website.

The Outdoor Equity Grant Program accepts applications for grants each fall. Last year, it distributed $3.1 million in funding to 69 organizations across the state. This year, the program will award approximately $2 million in grants. Beginning in 2024, the program will distribute approximately $2.75 million annually in Outdoor Equity Grants.

Find out more on the Outdoor Equity Grant Program website: https://cpw.info/outdoorequitygrant.