NM Economic Development Funds $851K in Outdoor Recreation Grants for Youth Access

The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s (EDD) Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) has awarded $851,400 in grants to 43 organizations for the Fiscal Year 2025 Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF). These grants will benefit youth across 15 counties and seven Tribal communities by enhancing access to outdoor recreation and fostering long-term opportunities in the outdoor recreation sector.

EDD Secretary-Designate Rob Black emphasized that investing in these programs not only provides immediate benefits to youth and communities but also builds sustainable economic opportunities in the outdoor sector. “Empowering young people through these initiatives nurtures New Mexico’s next generation of outdoor leaders and professionals,” he said.

The OEF received a record-breaking 96 applications this year, with over $3 million in funding requests, underscoring the growing demand for such programs. ORD Director Karina Armijo noted the increasing participation of Tribal communities and organizations in creating transformative outdoor opportunities for youth. “This year’s increase in applications reflects both the need and the effectiveness of these programs,” she stated.

The grants are made possible in part by the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, New Mexico’s first dedicated funding stream for land and water conservation and outdoor recreation. The recipients will contribute nearly $2 million in matching funds, further enhancing the impact of these programs. More than half of the funded projects will serve rural and Tribal communities, offering youth their first exposure to outdoor recreation experiences.

Several organizations highlighted the importance of these programs in making outdoor activities accessible to underserved youth. For example, Asombro Institute for Science Education’s Executive Director Stephanie Bestelmeyer shared that many students in southern New Mexico, despite living close to natural areas, often have never experienced the desert until participating in field trips. Similarly, Kaileigh Cera from the Mayfly Project, which teaches fly fishing to foster children, explained how the program connects kids with nature while teaching conservation and life skills.

ORD Deputy Director AJ Jones acknowledged the competition for the funds, saying, “This year was incredibly competitive, with many organizations doing extraordinary work. We hope to better meet this increasing demand in the future.”

Here are some key grant recipients for FY25:

• Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico ($17,572.50, Sandoval County): Offers an inclusive ski and snowboarding program for students with disabilities.
• Albuquerque Sign Language Academy ($7,500, Bernalillo County): Provides outdoor activities for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Animas Public Schools ($40,000, Hidalgo County): Promotes environmental literacy and place-based learning.
• Fly Fish NM ($8,163, Bernalillo County): Organizes fly fishing camps that teach youth about conservation and habitat preservation.
• Hero’s Path Palliative Care ($40,000, Bernalillo County): Supports children with serious illnesses and their families through inclusive outdoor educational programming.
• Pueblo of Jemez ($40,000, Sandoval County): Offers environmental education and bicycle safety programs for Indigenous children.
• Velo Cruces, Inc. ($20,000, Doña Ana County): Increases access to cycling activities for youth with disabilities.

Other recipients include organizations like Earth Ways, Mandy’s Farm, New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, and YouthWorks, all of which are providing invaluable outdoor education, conservation efforts, and recreational opportunities for underserved youth in New Mexico.

For a complete list of grant recipients and their projects, visit the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s website. These grants highlight New Mexico’s commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, has the chance to experience and learn from the state’s rich natural environment.

source