New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund

New Mexico has been at the forefront of providing equitable opportunities for youth and families to get outdoors since establishing the country’s first state-based Outdoor Equity Fund in 2019. Today, New Mexico’s Outdoor Equity Fund helps the next generation of environmental stewards access the outdoors and experience transformative recreational opportunities—many for the first time.

Since being established, New Mexico’s Outdoor Equity Fund has awarded $6.5 million in grants to nearly 170 organizations and seven Tribal communities in 23 counties, connecting more than 83,000 youth to the outdoors. To date, New Mexico’s Outdoor Equity Fund receives an annual appropriation of $851,400, far short of the $3 million that was requested in FY24-25. Advocates are now requesting an $8 million investment over two years to meet existing demand.