OEP will increase the ability of residents in low income communities to participate in outdoor experiences at state parks and other public lands by funding program operation and transportation costs. OEP encourages applicants to establish a home base in an underserved community as the hub for local activities and trips to natural areas. OEP empowers youth and families through outdoor leadership education, career pathways, and access to nature.
OEP funds program operation including the following:
A. Supplies, Equipment, and Activity Fees/Admissions
B. Travel Costs
C. Labor Costs
D. Insurance for all activities necessary for the OUTDOOR PROGRAM
See pages 41-45 for a detailed list of eligible costs in the Grant Application Guide at www.parks.ca.gov/oep
Up to $700,000 may be requested per application.
No match requirement.
An Application Checklist is listed on page 13.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
• Public Agencies: Includes all local, state, and federal agencies. Examples include school
districts and other public education agencies, cities and counties, joint powers
authorities, open-space authorities, regional open- space districts, Federal and State
recognized tribes, and other relevant public agencies.
• Non Profit Organizations with 501(c)(3) status
The program criteria encourages applicants to establish a home base in an underserved community as the hub for local activities and trips to natural areas. "Natural Area Trips" from the community home base may be statewide within California.
The grant may fund 100% of program operation cost. No match is required.
Application deadline The date (and time, where applicable) by which all applications must be submitted to the grantmaker. Time listed as “00:00” equates to midnight. 12/14/23 17:00
Expected award announcement The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant. Summer 2024
Period of performance The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized. Approx. 3 years
Expected number of awards A single grant opportunity may represent one or many awards. Some grantors may know in advance the exact number of awards to be given. Others may indicate a range. Some may wish to and wait until the application period closes before determining how many awards to offer; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display. Dependent
Estimated amount per award Grant opportunities representing multiple awards may offer awards in the same amount or in varied amounts. Some may wish to wait until the application period closes before determining per-award amounts; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display. $20,000 – $700,000
State of California - General Funds
Up to $700,000 may be requested per application.
State agencies/departments recommend you read the full grant guidelines before applying.
