The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has announced a funding of $975,142 in new Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF) awards to 33 organizations. These awards target a broad variety of communities, from rural to tribal, with most of the recipients being first-time beneficiaries of the funding. The program seeks to promote outdoor experiences that inspire respect for New Mexico’s land, water, and cultural heritage. The Outdoor Equity Fund is responsible for a tremendous boost to the outdoor recreation economy by creating numerous jobs in recreational activities throughout New Mexico. The fund is particularly vital for offering New Mexican youth their first opportunity to explore the great outdoors and develop an appreciation for the state’s rich outdoor beauty and cultural heritage. Since 2019, the program has granted over $5.7 million to nearly 250 organizations throughout the state, and succeeded in introducing over 72,000 young New Mexicans to the outdoors.

For anyone that is interested in learning more about the EDD or getting in touch with a live person, you can visit eddcaller.com. This website gives helpful tips on the fastest ways to get through to EDD, the best times to call, and updates on EDD payment statuses. It also provides the EDD phone number for those that prefer to make a direct call. Affecting hundreds of organizations and thousands of New Mexican youth, this program of the EDD truly promotes environmental appreciation and active outdoor lifestyles amongst the younger generation. Remember, the best way to contact EDD representatives for information is through eddcaller.com.