Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff and the Outdoor Equity Grant (OEGP) Board presented the program’s fourth annual results and urged continued legislative support for sustained funding.

Andrea Kurth, program manager for the OEGP, told the commission that the program launched by state law in 2021 has now awarded over $8.5 million in grants to 141 projects across Colorado and funded programming in 48 counties. The board received nearly 265 applications in the latest round requesting roughly $21.2 million; staff recommended and the board awarded $3 million in grants to 36 projects this cycle. Kurth described a mix of repeat and new grantees supporting culturally aligned outdoor lessons, disability‑accessible programs, school partnerships, and outdoor workforce training.

Staff highlighted examples: The Amache Alliance used funds to convene youth and family ambassadors to connect internment camp history and place‑based learning; The Cycle Effect in Eagle County funded youth mountain‑biking programs for girls; the BIPOC Mountain Collective’s Kickback program provided first‑time snow‑sports lessons for nearly 20 new skiers and snowboarders. Grantees reported that two‑fifths of participants were ages 6–10 and more than 70% of participants are people of color; reporting also noted 7% of participants had disabilities and nearly 4% identified as LGBTQ+. Kurth said the program intends to offer expanded technical assistance for applicants and to host quarterly “community of practice” gatherings.

Commissioners expressed near‑unanimous support for the program and asked staff to press for sustained funding. Director Davis and Deputy Director Heather Disney‑Dugan said the governor and Department of Natural Resources recommended $1 million additional spending and a staff FTE in the 2025 budget request; commissioners asked CPW leadership to draft a formal letter to the legislature and to coordinate with GOCO and the lottery on long‑term funding. Several commissioners said the program yields high return on investment for local communities and for youth recruitment into outdoor recreation and conservation careers.

Ending: Staff will finalize the OEGP annual report on the CPW website, continue outreach and technical assistance, and draft the recommendation letter to legislators supporting additional and sustained funding for the OEGP. Commissioners praised staff, grantees and the OEGP board and asked staff to return with implementation updates as the budget process moves forward.