-and-
The FY26 Outdoor Equity Fund will offer a record-breaking $4 million for educational programming that will provide thousands of youth with opportunities to experience New Mexico’s great outdoors.
Source: NM Outdoor Recreation Division
SANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham today signed the state’s FY26 budget, which includes a record $13 million in special appropriations for the Outdoor Recreation Division to expand outdoor access, improve trail infrastructure, and support New Mexico’s growing outdoor economy.
“This is a historic investment in quality of life,” New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary Rob Black said. “Investing in outdoor recreation is key to creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and strengthening communities, especially in rural and underserved areas.”
The FY26 Outdoor Equity Fund will offer a record-breaking $4 million for educational programming that will provide thousands of youth with opportunities to experience New Mexico’s great outdoors, many for the first time. The budget includes a one-year special appropriation of $3 million, an annual allocation of $382,600 from the Equity Fund, and $565,175 from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund. The FY26 grant cycle will open for applications on June 1, 2025.
“The Outdoor Equity Fund is shaping the next generation of outdoor leaders and conservationists, connecting youth to the outdoors, and creating pathways to careers in the outdoor realm,” Outdoor Recreation Division Director Karina Armijo said. “This funding is a vital step toward a future where all New Mexicans can experience the health benefits of outdoor recreation and learn to value and protect our natural resources.”
-and-
The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant received a $10 million special appropriation, to be utilized over two years, and $1.7 million from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund. This $11.7 million investment will support outdoor recreation infrastructure projects that generate jobs, boost local economies, and enhance outdoor access across New Mexico. The FY26 grant cycle will open for applications on July 1, 2025.
Established in 2019 under Governor Lujan Grisham, the Outdoor Recreation Division has invested $6.5 million to connect over 83,000 youth to the outdoors and awarded $26.4 million to outdoor infrastructure projects across 30 counties and 11 Tribal communities, supporting an estimated 2,132 jobs. For more information about these grants and to apply for funding visit www.NMOutside.com.
