New Mexico · State Grant

Outdoor Equity Fund (New Mexico)

Funding

Tier 1: up to ~$41K; Tier 2: $41K-$100K

Grade Focus

K-12

Application Due

February 26, 2027

Level of Gov't

State — New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)

Eligibility

New Mexico K-12 schools, nonprofits, and organizations providing outdoor learning and environmental education. Programs serving underserved and tribal communities are prioritized. Tier 1 is for smaller programs; Tier 2 for larger, established programs.

Program Goals

The Outdoor Equity Fund expands access to outdoor recreation and environmental education for New Mexico youth, particularly in underserved communities. Programs that integrate technology — sensors, data collection, environmental monitoring — into outdoor learning are a strong fit.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Applications submitted through NM EMNRD. February 26, 2027 deadline for the next cycle. Prepare a program description showing how outdoor and environmental education will be delivered to NM youth.

Cycle Notes

Annual cycle with a February 26, 2027 deadline. The Outdoor Equity Fund operates on an annual grant cycle. Monitor emnrd.nm.gov for future cycles.

Grant Award Amount

Tier 1: up to approximately $41,000. Tier 2: $41,000 to $100,000. Choose the tier that matches your program scope. Tier 2 requires a demonstrated track record.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
Smart Solar Energy Kit — build and program a working solar panel to measure real-time power generation and explore renewable energy
Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2?

Tier 1 is for smaller programs (up to ~$41K). Tier 2 is for larger, established programs ($41K-$100K). Tier 2 typically requires demonstrated program experience.

When is the next deadline?

February 26, 2027.

Can schools apply, or only nonprofits?

Both schools and nonprofits are eligible. Community organizations providing outdoor education can also apply.

How does STEM technology fit into an outdoor education grant?

Environmental monitoring tools, sensors, and data collection technology support the science and data literacy dimensions of outdoor education — making our Climate Action Kit and Smart Solar Kit a natural fit.

How can Forward Education help?

We help frame our environmental science kits as outdoor learning tools within the Outdoor Equity Fund application, emphasizing hands-on environmental data collection.

Grant Support