Outdoor Outreach recently received $1.35 million in grants to fund programs based in City Heights and El Cajon
San Diego nonprofit Outdoor Outreach has already connected thousands of underserved youth to the transformative power of nature using its adventure-based programs. Now, with $1.35 million in recently awarded grant funds, the organization will be able to expand its offerings to more kids in underrepresented neighborhoods.
Awarded through the new Outdoor Equity Grants Program created through Assembly Bill 209, California State Parks administered a total of $57 million in grant funding to 125 low-income urban and rural communities as part of its “Outdoors for All” initiative.
Since 1999, more than 17,000 of San Diego’s youth ages 9 to 24 have had the opportunity to hike, bike, kayak, climb and more with Outdoor Outreach, sharing in new experiences while developing their strengths and learning from peers and mentors, according to the nonprofit.
However, 4 of every 10 Californians still have no access to open space within walking distance of their home, and 6 of every 10 Californians live in park-poor neighborhoods, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Source: Nonprofit gives underserved kids outdoor adventures, using all of SoCal as their backyard