Outdoor Equity Grants Program
April 25, 2023 update: The 30 day comment period on the Draft Application Guide for Round 2 ended on April 14, 2023. The final Application Guide will be posted here by late May, 2023. At that time, the Round 2 application deadline will be announced.
$57 Million Awarded in Round 1: California State Parks has provided $57 million in grant funding to 125 communities to help advance the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative. This funding helps establish hubs for local activities and trips to natural areas for underserved communities. The program also empowers youth and families with outdoor leadership education, career pathways, environmental justice engagement, and access to nature.
Below are some Round 1 Highlights:
- $167.78 million in requests - 384 grant applications
- $57 million in grants – 125 grants
We invite you to learn more about the grant program by exploring the links below.
The 30 day comment period on the Draft Application Guide for Round 2 ended on April 14, 2023. The final Application Guide will be posted here by late May, 2023. At that time, the Round 2 application deadline will be announced. Applicants will use the final guide to plan and submit the grant application. Contact the Competitive Project Officer for your county for technical assistance.
Eligible Applicants
- All Public Agencies (local, state, and federal government, school districts and educational agencies, joint powers authorities, open-space authorities, regional open-space districts, and other relevant public agencies)
- Non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
Eligible Programs
Outdoor programs will be designed to take place in the community and at natural area destinations. See the Program Overview and Grant Selection Criteria in the Application Guide for more information.
Grant Administration Guide
The Grant Administration Guide will be used by grant recipients that are selected for funding when grant awards are announced. It includes a sample grant agreement, the payment process, and accounting/record keeping requirements.
Technical Assistance Links (Coming Soon)
Grant Administration Workshop Slides
Mandatory Outdoor Equity Program Administration Workshops were held via webinar in July of 2022. If a representative from your agency did not attend, you may view the webinar here: Outdoor Equity Workshop on YouTube. After viewing the webinar and the Outdoor Equity Program Grant Administration Guide, you may contact your OGALS Project Officer if you have further questions.
Outdoor Equity Grant Program Administration Guide - Revised 2023
Program Recognition - Grantees shall recognize the Outdoor Equity Grants Program on any project announcements, social media, website, marketing materials, and news releases using the phrase: “This program funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.”
Please visit the Grant Forms page for payment forms.
This page includes a summary of the grantee program goals for each of the 125 grants. And, you can see where the community home base locations are by clicking the "Map" option.
The Outdoor Equity Grants Program was established by Assembly Bill 209 (Limón).
The first competitive round of applications were received on October 8, 2021, and grants were announced on May 27, 2022.
- $167.78 million in requests - 384 grant applications
- $57 million in grants – 125 grants