Colorado secures millions to connect youth with nature

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Colorado Governor Jared Polis today signed HB25-1215, Redistribution of Lottery Funds into law. The bill allocates a recurring $4 million per year for the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program and a new 10% spillover bucket which will allow the program’s investment to grow as the Colorado Lottery Fund grows.  

Established in 2021 and administered by Colorado Parks & Wildlife, the Outdoor Equity Grant Program is Colorado’s only funding source designed to improve access to nature for the thousands of underserved youth who may otherwise go without. To date, the program has provided more than 65,000 residents across 51 counties with opportunities to experience Colorado’s renowned outdoors and thus contribute to a booming outdoor recreation economy. 

The program was previously capped at $3 million per year despite funding requests for the latest grant cycle totaling more than $21 million. Deeper investment in this critical program will ensure even more underserved youth can benefit from exposure to Colorado’s renowned outdoors.  

Jim Ramey, The Wilderness Society’s Colorado state director, made the following statement:  

"Everyone deserves to experience nature’s benefits, but not all Coloradans have a fair shot at accessing our state’s iconic landscapes. The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program makes outdoor education, recreation and leadership opportunities possible for underserved youth who face barriers to access. By creating deep ties with the natural world, the Outdoor Equity Grant Program invests in the next generation of Coloradans who will grow up to call themselves conservationists. 

We extend our gratitude to bill sponsors including Representatives Taggart and Joseph and Senators Bridges and Kirkmeyer for their leadership and commitment to Colorado’s youngest residents.” 

For media inquiries, contact Keri Gilliland at keri_gilliland@tws.org