Lottery and provided to outdoor programs like Blackpackers, Wilderness on Wheels, and Lincoln Hill Cares. To apply, they must bring engaging experiences to low-income youth, youth with disabilities, LGBTQ+ youth, or BIPOC communities. A board of community members with experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives will determine which grant applications are approved for the program. This funding can cover the costs of gear rentals, transportation, food, staffing, and more. “The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program will enable underserved communities to meaningfully engage with the outdoors,” said Jason Swann, Western Lands Policy Analyst and co-founder of Rising Routes, in a press release. “Access to nature shouldn’t be a luxury afforded to only a few, but a rightful privilege bestowed to everyone in Colorado.” Patricia Cameron, founder of Blackpackers, pointed out the benefits to nonprofits during an online forum promoting the bill. “The program could bring some peace of mind... Nonprofits depend on donations, the goodwill of the people,” said Camer-
on. “It fluctuates on what social movement is quote-unquote popular. It’s good to know there’s something that might be stable as public interest might wane.” The bill—which was sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and David Ortiz, Senate President Leroy Garcia, and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis—was recently signed by Governor Polis. It promises to change who is being included and accounted for in the outdoors, a step towards making recreation more accessible and equitable for all Coloradans. “I was elated! I am immensely proud of all that our team has accomplished, and I am grateful to Rep. Herod and the bill cosponsors for all of their contributions,” said Jamie Diaz, the communications manager for The Wilderness Society. “The next step is for our coalition to work with Colorado Parks & Wildlife to recruit and seat the board. In the next couple of months, we will hire an OEGP staff person and work on creating an inclusive and accessible grant application.” To find more information about the Outdoor Equity Grant Program when it becomes available, visit their website at cpw. state.co.us/outdoor-equity-fund.
What This Bill Does • Creates equitable access opportunities so that more youth from a diversity of backgrounds may have outdoor experiences. • Allocates grants to a wide variety of providers statewide, including the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, school districts, nonprofits, recreation districts, etc. • Establishes a board and staff who have experience in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in pro-
Rising Routes
Wild Bear Nature Center
viding outdoor, environmental, and recreational education programs. • Provides quantitative and qualitative grant reporting requirements that allow the grantees to highlight who they are serving and how they are serving them. This will be crucial information as the board looks to expand access and opportunity for youth statewide. State agencies and organizations with a youth-centered or youth-focused priority will also benefit from this knowledge.
The Greenway Foundation
Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program | Asian Avenue Magazine
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