New Mexico Launches $50,000 Outdoor Grant Program
The Outside Forward program offers outdoor recreation businesses grants of $2,500 to $10,000 with a required 25% cash match.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Camping
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The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division has launched the Outside Forward grant program, offering $50,000 to outdoor recreation businesses. Applications will be accepted January 4-29, with award announcements expected in March.
Why it matters
Outdoor recreation businesses identified lack of available capital as their biggest barrier to growth, and the program targets that need. The industry contributed $3.6 billion to New Mexico's economy in 2024 and supported 31,454 jobs.
Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and require a cash match equal to 25% of the award, with eligible businesses required to have operated for at least three years. The Outdoor Recreation Division has not yet said how many awards will be made from the $50,000 total.
The players
New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division is the state office responsible for promoting and supporting the outdoor recreation economy in New Mexico.
The details
Businesses may use grant money to purchase equipment, develop products, improve websites, boost marketing, participate in trade shows, and upgrade technology. The Outdoor Recreation Division is supplying the $50,000 and hopes to make a case to legislators to make the program annual, depending on the response.
Timeline
January 4-29: Outside Forward grant applications accepted.
March: Expected Outside Forward award announcements.
Season Trajectory
The grant arrives as the state's outdoor recreation sector, which supported 31,454 jobs in 2024, seeks capital to expand. For New Mexico's campgrounds, outfitters and gear makers, the program offers a rare direct funding route tied to the state's own economic accounting.
Outdoor recreation businesses in New Mexico with at least three years of operation can apply for awards of $2,500 to $10,000 if they can provide a 25% cash match. The grants may be used for equipment, marketing, websites and trade show participation.
The takeaway
For outdoor recreation businesses in New Mexico, the application window closes January 29, so reviewing eligibility and preparing the required 25% cash match early is the practical step to take.
What happens next
Applications for the Outside Forward grants are open January 4-29, and award announcements are expected in March.
Further reading
Explore more camping news for context on how outdoor businesses are shaping recreation trends.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Abqjournal.
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