State outdoor grants help Las Cruces domestic violence shelter offer nature-based programs for youth
New Mexico’s Outdoor Equity Fund will open a new grant round in January, with funding that has helped Las Cruces’ La Casa domestic violence shelter provide outdoor programs for children impacted by trauma.
Outdoor Equity Fund opens new application window with $1.9 million available statewide
Organ Mountain News report
SANTA FE – New Mexico will open a new application window in January for its Outdoor Equity Fund, a state-funded grant program that has helped organizations across the state expand outdoor education and career training opportunities for youth.
In Las Cruces, grant funding has been used by La Casa, Inc., a domestic violence shelter, to create Camp Tierra Viva, a nature-based program designed to support children living at the shelter as they recover from trauma.
The Outdoor Equity Fund, administered by the state Outdoor Recreation Division, will make $1.9 million available during its January 1–31 application period for fiscal year 2026. Since the program launched in 2020, it has supported outdoor programming for more than 106,000 young people across 23 counties in New Mexico.
State officials say demand for the grants continues to exceed available funding. Interest in the program has climbed sharply since 2024, with the number of applicants increasing by 46 percent and total grant requests reaching $4.9 million — more than double the funding available.
“Outdoor access opens doors for communities and offers invaluable health benefits for young people,” said Economic Development Department Secretary Rob Black. “We’re strengthening New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy while cultivating the next generation of stewards, entrepreneurs and outdoor workforce leaders.”
For organizations like La Casa, leaders say the funding has provided a way to offer therapeutic outdoor experiences tailored to children who have experienced domestic violence.
“Because of the Outdoor Equity Fund, we were able to create Camp Tierra Viva, a uniquely designed program for children living in our domestic violence shelter,” said Marcie Davis, chief executive officer of La Casa. “Continued statewide investments ensure that underserved youth can experience the restorative power of nature.”
Other organizations supported by the Outdoor Equity Fund include Tribal Adaptive Organization, which provides para-sports and nature-based programs for Native youth and adults with disabilities.
“We create pathways for Native youth and adults with disabilities to thrive through para-sports and nature-based programs,” said Noah Blue Elk Hotchkiss of Tribal Adaptive Organization. “Investing in equitable outdoor access uplifts entire communities and ensures everyone, regardless of ability or background, can experience the healing and joy of the land.”
Because of high demand and limited funding, applicants are required to attend a pre-application informational webinar before applying. Webinars are scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 3–4 p.m., and Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 5:30–6:30 p.m.
More information about the Outdoor Equity Fund, including application materials and webinar registration, is available at nmoutside.com.
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