DENVER, COLORADO – Colorado’s Outdoor Equity Grants Program (OEGP), designed to expand access to the outdoors for underserved communities, is set to receive a $1.3 million boost in the 2024-2025 state budget, bringing annual funding to $4 million. While outdoor advocates and lawmakers welcomed the increase, many argue it is far from adequate to meet the growing demand for equitable outdoor opportunities across the state.
Since its creation in 2021, the OEGP has distributed $8.5 million to nonprofits and businesses engaging historically excluded communities, including LGBTQ+ youth, Coloradans with disabilities, and Black and Latino families. These funds have benefited over 43,000 individuals across 41 counties, but demand for the program has consistently exceeded available funding.
Last year alone, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), which administers the program, received $21 million in funding requests but was only able to approve 14% of applications. Advocates say the new $1.3 million increase, while helpful, still leaves a massive gap between the need and available resources.
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The Economic and Social Case for Equity
Proponents of the OEGP argue that investing in outdoor access has far-reaching benefits, from improving public health and fostering community connections to bolstering the state’s $17 billion outdoor recreation economy. Advocates believe programs like OEGP not only create opportunities for underserved populations but also cultivate a new generation of conservation-minded outdoor enthusiasts and recreation professionals.
The program has already delivered tangible results. Grants have funded projects like Women’s Wilderness’ Outdoor G.I.R.L.S. program, which provides outdoor activities and leadership training for immigrant and refugee girls. Another example is the Colorado Mountain Club’s collaboration with ViVe Wellness, which introduced Venezuelan and Mexican communities to activities like rock climbing, breaking down cultural and language barriers along the way.
“These grants do more than bring people outdoors—they foster inclusion, belonging, and stewardship of our natural spaces,” said one advocate.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
A Call for Sustainable Funding
Despite these successes, advocates warn that the current funding levels are insufficient to meet the program’s potential. The Colorado Outdoor Equity Coalition has proposed a sustainable funding model that would allocate 30% of Colorado Lottery spillover revenue to the OEGP. This approach would not impact existing funding streams for state parks, wildlife, or outdoor recreation projects, as these are already supported by other sources like Keep Colorado Wild Pass revenue.
Such a model, advocates argue, would provide the program with a stable, year-over-year funding stream to address the growing demand. They contend that without increased investment, the OEGP will continue to fall short of its goal to bridge the outdoor access gap for marginalized communities.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
The Bigger Picture
Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy relies on the accessibility and stewardship of its natural spaces. Advocates point out that increasing funding for programs like the OEGP is not just an investment in equity—it’s an investment in the state’s future.
By fostering diverse partnerships and building pathways for underrepresented youth into outdoor industries, programs like OEGP ensure that Colorado’s iconic landscapes remain accessible and well-protected for generations to come.
The proposed funding model, if adopted, would enable the OEGP to significantly scale up its efforts and expand its reach across the state. Advocates say this is crucial for addressing historical inequities and ensuring that all Coloradans have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of nature.
For more information about the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website for the program here.
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