Outdoor Equity Grants Program
$50 million is available for Round Two
OGALS is Accepting Applications - Submission Deadline December 14, 2023
The Outdoor Equity Grants Program (OEP) improves the health and wellness of Californians through new educational and recreational activities, service learning, career pathways, and leadership opportunities that strengthen a connection to the natural world. OEP’s intent is to increase the ability of residents in underserved communities to participate in outdoor experiences within their community, at state parks, and other public lands.
Round Two of OEP provides funding for California’s underserved communities which will continue to advance the goals of 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.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted online before 5:00pm on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Click the Submittable button below to begin an online application.
Round Two Application Overview Video
Applicants will use this guide to plan and submit the grant application. Contact the Competitive Project Officer for your county for technical assistance.
Grant Request Per Application
- Maximum grant request per COMMUNITY HOME BASE: $700,000
- Minimum grant request per COMMUNITY HOME BASE: $20,000
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 must 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.
Application Resources
- Application Round Two Timeline
- Competitive Chart
- Community FactFinder Tool
- Community Fact Finder Tool Overview Video
Fillable Application Forms
- Application Form
- Authorizing Resolution
- Community FactFinder Certification Form
- Funding Sources Form
- Grant Scope/Cost Estimate Form
- Reporting Certification Form
Application Workshops
Application workshops will be conducted via online webinars and in person throughout select cities within California. Space is limited, so please RSVP early for the workshop of your choice using the links below.
In-Person Workshops (9:00 am – 12:30 pm) Application Guides will be provided to applicants that attend the in-person workshops.
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 – Elk Grove
Thursday, September 7, 2023 – Redding
Monday, September 18, 2023 – San Diego
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – Riverside
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 – Long Beach
Thursday, September 21, 2023 – Burbank
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 – San Jose
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 – Fresno
Recorded Virtual Workshops -Virtual application workshops were conducted in August. Click the links below to listen to the recorded webinars.
Grant Performance Period
Grantees are not to start the OEP program until after the funds are awarded. An updated performance period will be provided as soon as possible.
All OEP applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Grant Administration Guide (next section below) to better understand the full OEP process, should the grant be awarded.
Outdoor Equity Grants Program Administration Guide - Revised 2023
Grantee Resources
Participant Recruitment Tips - NEW
Grant Payment Forms:
OEP All Payment Forms Combined, includes these individual forms:
Provide a sample timesheet if seeking reimbursement for in-house employee services.
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.”
Grant Administration Workshops
Round One Grant Administration Workshop Slides
Round One Grant Administration Workshop on YouTube
This page includes a summary of the grantee program goals for each of the Round One 125 awarded grants. The community home base locations can be found by clicking the "Map" option.
The Outdoor Equity Grants Program was established by Assembly Bill 209 (Limón).
Round One applications were received on October 8, 2021, and grant awards were announced on May 27, 2022.
- $167.78 million in requests - 384 grant applications
- $57 million in grants – 125 grants