The Outdoor Equity Grant Program
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.
For applications submitted on December 14, 2023 (Round 2), due to the California State Budget deficit, funding for the second round of the Outdoor Equity Program (OEP) was not included in the 24/25 State Budget. Therefore, the California State Parks canceled this round.
Currently, there are no funds for future rounds of OEP.
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
For technical assistance, please use this link: Project Officer by County
Outdoor Equity Grants Program Administration Guide - Revised 2025
Grantee Resources
OEP Competitive Bid Process for Nonprofit Grantees
CalHR Vehicle Mileage Reimbursement Rates (current rates)
CalHR Vehicle Mileage Rates by Calendar Year
Technical Assistance - Grant Tracking Tools:
For Audit purposes, grantees must provide compliant audit trails and source documents to track grant project costs. The templates below are compliant examples of how to track in-house employee/volunteer services and vehicle mileage to the grant project.
In-House Employee/Volunteer Time Log
Vehicle Mileage Log (To be kept in vehicle for driver to complete)
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
Due to the California State Budget deficit, funding for the second round and future rounds of the Outdoor Equity Program (OEP) was not included in the 24/25 State Budget. Therefore, the California Department of Parks and Recreation canceled Round Two of the OEP. Round Two applications were kept on file for twelve months. Currently, there are no funds for Round Two or future rounds of OEP.