Outdoor Equity Fund opens with $3M

Apply by July 31 to support outdoor youth programs

Contact: Chris Chaffin

Chris.Chaffin@edd.nm.gov

(505) 490-7962

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 3 , 2025

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

Cabinet Secretary Rob Black

Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Romero

Director Karina Armijo

$3M available for enriching outdoor youth programs

Outdoor Equity Fund accepting applications

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department's Outdoor Recreation Division invites organizations to apply for the FY26 Outdoor Equity Fund, supporting programs that connect youth from communities across New Mexico to enriching outdoor experiences.

The first of two FY26 rounds opened on June 1 and will close July 31, 2025 . A second cycle will run from January 1 to January 31, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the grant guide and register for an informational webinar on June 12 at 3 PM or July 15 at 5:30 PM on the grant webpage at nmoutside.com/grants/outdoor-equity-fund.

“Quality time outdoors benefits a young person’s health and well-being, and plants the seed for future careers that support New Mexico’s growing outdoor recreation economy,” Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Rob Black said. “Supporting youth in building outdoor job skills is key to developing a strong, locally rooted workforce ready to sustain this vital industry.”

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed New Mexico’s Outdoor Recreation Division into law on April 2, 2019. Since its launch, the division has awarded $6.5 million through the Outdoor Equity Fund to 284 programs, serving more than 83,000 young people across 23 counties and Tribal communities. The impact is far-reaching: funded programs have included fly-fishing and mountain biking, trail building and river restoration, and cultural education incorporating Indigenous knowledge, language, and storytelling.

“Investing in outdoor equity is investing in the health, education, and economy of our state,” Outdoor Recreation Division Director Karina Armijo said. “Whether it’s improving health outcomes, opening doors to new careers, or building a sense of place and pride, these programs help young people develop lifelong connections to nature and their communities.”

Now in its sixth year, the Outdoor Equity Fund opened with $3 million available to support a wide range of initiatives, including those that provide workforce development opportunities through hands-on training in outdoor careers, such as wilderness leadership, conservation, and outdoor entrepreneurship. These programs help build a pipeline of skilled, homegrown talent to support and grow New Mexico’s outdoor economy.

To apply or learn more, visit NMOutside.com .

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FY25 awardee New Mexico Wilderness Alliance's Outdoor Academy offers hands-on outdoor recreation job training and internships to Taos High School and Taos Pueblo Day School students.

FY25 awardee Adaptive Sports Programs New Mexico offers affordable and no-cost adaptive skiing and snowboarding experiences for students with disabilities.

FY25 awardee Santo Domingo Pueblo offers immersive nature expeditions for youth and exploration of potential conservation careers.

EDD’s mission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive. EDD’s programs contribute directly to this mission by funding workforce training and providing infrastructure that supports business growth, helping every community create a thriving economy.

New Mexico Economic Development Department

EDD.NewMexico.gov

New Mexico Economic Development Department | 1100 South St. Francis Dr Joseph M. Montoya Building | Santa Fe, NM 87505-4147 US

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