Outdoor Equity grants increase access and opportunities for Colorado’s underserved communities
COLORADO (KRDO) -- Governor Jared Polis joined with the Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and others to announce the first recipients of the Outdoor Equity grants.
The goal of providing the grants is to increase access to outdoor opportunities for all Coloradans and provide resources to underserved students and communities that will help increase environmental learning opportunities, education, and outdoor fun.
“From cutting the cost of the state park pass to $29 to providing strong support through the new Outdoor Equity grants, we are saving people money and helping the next generation of Coloradans enjoy, love, and care for our outdoor spaces," Gov. Polis said.
According to the state, the Outdoor Equity Grant Program connects Colorado youth and their families to environmental and conservation education programs, and employment opportunities, and provides the necessary gear and resources to participate in outdoor recreation.
Gov. Polis signed the legislation into law to create the Outdoor Equity Grant Program in 2021.
"Colorado is known for its outdoor spaces, and we’re working hard to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the opportunities our state provides,” Colorado Senator Jaquez Lewis said. “These grants will help create a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts and open up access so that more Coloradans can experience the wonders Colorado’s public lands have to offer.”
Below is a list of some of the organizations in Southern Colorado that received money from the Outdoor Equity Grant Program:
- Blackpackers - Colorado Springs - $60,000
- City of Colorado Springs Therapeutic Recreation Program- Colorado Springs - $17,800
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Pueblo County - Pueblo - $150,000
- Public School District No.60 - Pueblo - $82,500
- San Luis Valley Generation Wild/Great Outdoors - Alamosa - $100,000
- Acequia Institute - San Luis - $80,000
- Earth Mountain Education Farm - Trinidad - $50,000
A list of grant recipients can be found here: Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Awardees for 2022
