How 3 Eagle County nonprofits are expanding outdoors access with Colorado grants
The Cycle Effect/Courtesy Photo
There are many organizations across Colorado working to break down barriers to accessing the outdoors. And in 2021, the state created a program to help boost the efforts of such organizations.
On Friday, Dec. 15, Gov. Jared Polis, the Outdoor Equity Grant Board and Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced that it would award over $2.2 million in outdoor equity grants to 35 organizations across the state.
“Colorado’s world-class outdoors are a big part of who we are and everyone in our state deserves to experience our wild areas,” Polis said in a press release. “We are excited to support the terrific work of these outdoor recreation grant recipients who are working to expand access and create opportunities for more Coloradans to enjoy our great outdoors.”
Among this year’s awardees are three organizations from Eagle County: Mountain Pride, which was awarded $45,100, SOS Outreach, which was awarded $65,000, and The Cycle Effect, which was awarded $100,000.
The Outdoor Equity Grant program was created in 2021 by a House bill. The program is funded by the Colorado Lottery. Last year, $3.1 million in grants were awarded to youth and family-serving organizations.
Support Local Journalism
Each of the Eagle County nonprofits receiving funding this year will utilize the dollars to extend their programming in the areas of equity and access — regardless of their areas of focus.
Since its founding, SOS Outreach has sought to alleviate access and inclusivity barriers for low-income and ethnically diverse youth by connecting them to the outdoors and skiing, said Seth Ehrlich, its executive director. This year, its programs will serve around 450 kids in Eagle County.
“The ski industry, in particular, is one that has been historically exclusive. With significant costs to participate, many of the youth we work with have not been introduced to the sport and would not without our programs,” Ehrlich said.
In addition to teaching kids how to ski and snowboard, the programming builds critical life skills — including building confidence on the slopes — that extend into the college and post-college years.
“We believe that the mountains serve as the best classroom to teach core values and formulate an authentic relationship between an adult mentor and youth mentee,” Ehrlich said.
The organization’s “strong alignment” with the goals of Colorado’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program was one reason it sought the grant award, he added.
With the funds, “we will deepen equity efforts through the expansion of the Alumni Network with consistent incorporation of participant feedback, and expand opportunities for career pathways for our young adults with the Career Development Program.”
Additionally, Ehrlich said the funds will ensure there are “no financial barriers to youth accessing our mentor-driven curriculum year over year.”
“It is an honor to be a part of this collaborative effort to advance outdoor equity across Colorado. Everyone deserves to enjoy the outdoors and by working together we can have a greater impact locally and statewide,” Ehrlich said.
Want the news to come to you? Get the top stories in your inbox every morning. Sign up here: VailDaily.com/newsletter
Similar to skiing, mountain biking can be “prohibitively expensive,” which is one reason The Cycle Effect works to break down barriers to the sport, said Ashley Ojala, the organization’s marketing manager.
By providing young women with the gear, apparel, transportation, coaching and support needed to mountain bike, The Cycle Effect works to empower them in many aspects of life and connect them to the outdoors.
“Not only are our programs transformative for the athletes on an individual scale; but on a macro scale, it helps our Colorado communities become more connected to each other and to our beautiful natural backyards,” Ojala said. “We believe that it should not just be a sport for those who can afford it, especially with trails right outside our participants’ front doors. We’re honored to be part of a movement that creates pathways to the challenges and rewards of mountain biking and living a fulfilling life outside.”
With the funding from the outdoor equity grant, the nonprofit is aiming to expand key programs to serve more Latina and BIPOC youth women and their families — a need across the communities it serves.
“Through the expansion of our Girls Mountain Bike, (Re)Cycle Bike Match, Mujeres y Pedales (Women & Pedals) and Junior Coach Programs, we will provide greater opportunities for underrepresented youth and their families to access outdoor recreation, education and stewardship opportunities,” Ojala said.
In connecting Eagle County’s youth to sports and the outdoors, these organizations are helping create a sense of belonging. For Mountain Pride, its work centers on making members of the LGBTQ community feel “equally welcome or comfortable” in outdoor spaces and sports, said Madison Partridge, the organization’s executive director.
“One significant factor is the lack of representation within the outdoor community. Historically, outdoor spaces have been portrayed with a narrow focus, often overlooking the diversity within the LGBTQ spectrum,” Partridge said. “A lack of representation can make LGBTQ individuals feel as though these spaces are not intended for them. As well as the fear of discrimination or encountering unwelcoming attitudes can discourage LGBTQ individuals from participating in outdoor activities.”
The organization applied for the Colorado grant to attempt to address these challenges. Specifically, Mountain Pride intends to use the dollars to “enhance its efforts as the first LGBTQ+ summer camp programming on the Western Slope, creating a safe haven for queer youth to enjoy outdoor adventures,” Partridge said.
“Our programming blends outdoor exploration with conservation education, featuring LGBTQ+ role models, fostering a tight-knit community, and empowering participants to be advocates for nature and LGBTQ+ inclusivity.”
This work can enhance identity and connection, community building, provide health benefits, empower individuals and increase visibility in outdoor spaces.
“By actively addressing these challenges and working together as a community, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming outdoor environment for all residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Partridge said.
