NEWS
State puts record $4.5 million toward outdoor youth programs after overwhelming demand last year
The Outdoor Equity Fund will begin accepting applications July 1
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Outdoor youth programs across New Mexico are set to receive a boost following a highly competitive year for the state鈥檚 Outdoor Equity Fund.
The state has announced a $4.5 million investment into the fund for fiscal year 2027, spanning July through June of next year. The fund, established by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2019, was created to improve youth access to outdoor experiences across the state.
This fiscal year鈥檚 $4.5 million marks a record investment for the fund, which received $4 million from the state last year. The state said the bump was spurred by demand, with 228 applications received last year. Those applications requested $3.7 million more funding than was available, according to a news release.
鈥淭his growing demand shows how much outdoor access matters to communities across New Mexico,鈥� Economic Development Secretary Rob Black said in a statement. 鈥淭he Outdoor Equity Fund helps support young people, create career pathways and strengthen local communities.鈥�
The first round of the fund鈥檚 FY27 grant cycle will open at the start of July, accepting applications through the end of the month. The funding is available to programs and organizations connecting youth with hiking, biking, camping, environmental education, cultural programs, conservation projects and workforce development opportunities.
The funding arrives just a couple of months after the New Mexico Department of Health released a indicating that nearly 43% of third graders in the state were reported as overweight or obese in 2025. The highest rates were seen in Native American and Hispanic youth, the report said.
鈥淭oo many New Mexico youth still don鈥檛 have easy access to outdoor experiences close to home,鈥� said Outdoor Recreation Division Director Karina Armijo in a statement. 鈥淭he Outdoor Equity Fund helps connect kids to outdoor experiences that encourage active lifestyles, confidence and connection to community.鈥�
The funding is administered by the division, which was also established in 2019. It鈥檚 supported by special appropriations and the state鈥檚 Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund and Equity Fund.
Since launching, the fund has awarded $10.5 million and connected more than 128,000 youth across 28 counties and tribal communities with outdoor recreation.
Those interested in applying for the Outdoor Equity Fund this fiscal year must tune in to at least one of two mandatory information and question-and-answer sessions the division is offering on and . A second application round will run in February.
Kylie Garcia covers retail and real estate for the Journal. You can reach her at kgarcia@abqjournal.com.
