The Maryland Outdoor Equity Mini-Grant Program is designed to support equitable access to outdoor recreation for communities that have been historically excluded.
Donor Name: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
State: Maryland
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/30/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
These grants fund community-based projects that help Marylanders overcome social, geographic, cultural, and economic barriers to the outdoors. Examples of these historical barriers include distance and transportation, the price of activity or entry charges to outdoor recreation locations, the cost of equipment, lack of exposure to outdoor recreation activities, and finally, not feeling welcome to outdoor activities.
To address these challenges and support long-term change, the program is guided by a set of core goals:
- Fund opportunities for outdoor recreation for Marylanders from underrepresented communities
- Promote a sense of stewardship, equity, and connection to Maryland’s natural spaces
- Create a more inclusive outdoor culture across the state
- Lay the groundwork for future outdoor professionals through mentoring and leadership opportunities
- Provide technical assistance to outdoor recreation projects and initiatives throughout Maryland.
Project Focus Areas
To best align with the program’s purpose and goals, the projects selected for funding will address at least one of the following themes:
- Creating opportunities for outdoor recreation
- Outdoor and environmental education and stewardship
- Community capacity-building for long-term engagement with outdoor access
- Connecting outdoor recreation to physical, emotional, or community health benefits.
Funding Information
Award Amounts: $2,500 – $7,500.
Uses of Funds
May include program staff, materials, transportation, outreach, gear, event costs, or other eligible expenses that directly support project goals.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be:
- A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Tribal entity, school district, government agency, or for-profit organization with a mission aligned with outdoor equity (recipient will be required to fill out a W-9 with the State of Maryland to receive funds)
- Based in, serving communities, and hosting the event/recreation/activity within Maryland
- Able to demonstrate readiness to manage and complete a small-scale community project within one year.
For more information, visit MDNR.
