Economic Development Department awards first-ever Outdoor Marketing Grant; Sandoval Co. gets $13K

The Outdoor Recreation Division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department has awarded 41 recipients the first-ever Outdoor Marketing Grant to support recreation initiatives and expand the reach of live events in 17 counties, including $13,400 for Sandoval County.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham created the Outdoor Recreation Division in 2019 and identified outdoor recreation as a key target sector to diversify the economy. ORD has since invested more than $18 million to fund outdoor access through the Outdoor Recreation Trails+, Outdoor Equity Fund and Outdoor Marketing Grant programs.

“This innovative grant program represents a new collaboration between the Outdoor Recreation Division and the Department of Tourism to support programs and amplify events,” EDD Acting Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper said. “Of the 41 grantees, 26 are in rural communities where building the outdoor economy is vital to creating jobs and diversifying the economy.”

OMG applicants were encouraged to request funds to increase their outdoor marketing initiatives or apply for event sponsorships. Grant dollars will make it possible for awardees to extensively expand the reach of their marketing efforts through new and amplified channels.

The one-time funding source for the program was part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s implementation of the American Rescue Plan Act in partnership with the New Mexico Tourism Department.

“ORD is proud to support diverse outdoor recreation events through the OMG program. The much-needed funding will lead to individuals strengthening their connections to the outdoors and families continuing to build traditions of being outside together,” ORD Director Karina Armijo said. “From single- to multi-day events and long-lasting marketing tools, such as printed guides and informative websites, all funded efforts lead to healthy outcomes that fuel our outdoor recreation economy.”

The 41 grantees will receive $873,872, while their organizations will bring in an additional $1,181,080 in matching funds. Over 63% of OMG recipients are based in rural areas in 17 counties throughout the state. Grant awards ranged from $10,000 to $30,000. Funds will support 10 events and 31 comprehensive marketing efforts for New Mexico nonprofits, counties and municipalities.