The Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP), administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and funded through proceeds from the Colorado Lottery and the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, supports efforts to reduce barriers to outdoor access for Colorado youth and their families. Grants of up to $100,000 are awarded to projects that provide equitable, meaningful, and inclusive outdoor experiences and career pathways in the outdoor, environmental, or conservation sectors.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, for-profits, local governments, school districts, and federally recognized Tribes. Projects must focus on serving traditionally excluded communities including low-income, racially and ethnically diverse youth, LGBTQ+ youth, youth with disabilities, and American Indian and Native youth. Competitive projects will provide responsible recreation experiences, environmental education, conservation stewardship, and job or career training opportunities.
The 2025 process begins with submission of a Grant Interest Form, open from April 18 to June 2, 2025. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application between August 5 and September 30, 2025. Notifications of award decisions will be made by December 15, 2025, with contracts issued starting January 5, 2026, and disbursements completed by March 31, 2026.
Funded expenses include programming, staffing, transportation, insurance, food, capital equipment (gear, supplies, vehicles), and structural improvements such as outdoor classrooms or playgrounds. Ineligible expenses include land acquisition, trail building, construction of indoor spaces, and facility renovation.
