Maryland Department of Natural Resources OFFICE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION

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Maryland Outdoor Equity Mini-Grant Program

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2025 Request for Proposals (RFP)

Issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Office of Outdoor Recreation

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Grant Program Summary

Application Deadline: By June 30, 2025
Award Notification: Award Amounts: $2,500 – $7,500 (one-time awards)
Estimated Number of Awards: Approximately 5
Funding Period: Projects must be completed by September 2026

Program Purpose and Goals

The Maryland Outdoor Equity Mini-Grant Program is designed to support equitable access to outdoor recreation for communities that have been historically underserved. These grants fund community-based projects that help Marylanders overcome many social, geographic, cultural, physical, 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; and
  • 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
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Examples of Past Funded Projects


  • Defensores de la Cuenca (Watershed Defenders) is a Latino-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects Spanish speakers to nature through shared experiences and opportunities to preserve and defend the Chesapeake Bay watershed for a healthier mind, body, and soul. Funding contributed to an outdoor gear bank that increases access to outdoor recreation activities by Latino communities who are underrepresented in that field. In 2024, Defensores de la Cuenca used the tents and gear for a group camping trip at Assateague State Park, dubbed Playafest, and two other camping trips.
  • Live Water Foundation inspires and empowers by facilitating watersports programs that improve health, wellness, and the environment. Live Water Foundation currently supports three initiatives within the Veteran community, underprivileged and disabled youth, and promoting clean waterways. Funding is used to support therapeutic water-based activities for military veterans. The goal of the programs is to inspire participants to be champions in enhancing the waterways in which they paddle, and inspire a lifestyle of health and wellness through watersports activities
  • Mentoring ​Our Rising Entrepreneurs (MORE) is a homeschool cooperative and nonprofit organization based in Baltimore, serving children ages 7-17. The organization supplements the parents’ primary teaching by offering a safe, secure place where students can receive academic support, entrepreneurial mentoring, and learn about project-based services. Funding covered the cost of camping materials, which will provide 50–75 youths from Baltimore the ability to set out on excursions, enjoy nature, and explore new things.
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Eligibility

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.
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Funding Information

  • Award Range: $2,500 – $7,500
  • Match Requirement: No matching funds required, but leveraging other resources is encouraged.
  • Use of Funds: May include program staff, materials, transportation, outreach, gear, event costs, or other eligible expenses that directly support project goals.

Review Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on a number of criteria, including: project alignment with focus areas, demonstrated need and community involvement, clear scope, goals, and timeline, feasibility and budget clarity, and project outcomes and evaluation plan.

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Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following information:

  1. Organization Information
    • Organization name, type, location, contact information
    • Amount requested
  2. Project Description
    • Description of the community or population served
    • Description of planned activities and goals
    • Explanation of how your work advances equity and access in outdoor recreation
    • Community engagement or co-creation approach
  3. Budget & Budget Narrative
    • Itemized list of how funds will be spent
    • Narrative explaining why each expense is needed
  4. Timeline
    • Key milestones with estimated dates (Project must be completed by September 30, 2026)
  5. Evaluation Plan
    • How you will track success or impact
  6. Optional: Letters of Support or Collaboration
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Reporting Requirements

Awardees will be asked to submit a short final report upon project completion and no later than October 15, 2026, which may include:

  • Summary of the project’s outcomes and community impact
  • Description of participant experience
  • Data on participant demographics (age range, race/ethnicity, geography)
  • Quotes, photos, videos, or testimonials
  • Reflections on lessons learned and next steps

How to Apply

Submit a Grant Application via filling out this google ​form​ by June 30th, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Google Form Full Link: https://forms.gle/n​fwWj3gMfCBGCy4x6

Contact Information

For questions or technical assistance, contact:
Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation
Email: outdoorrec.dnr@maryland.gov
Phone: (410) 260-8000

The facilities and services of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are available to all without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or physical or mental disability. This document is available in alternative format upon request from a qualified individual with​ a disability.