Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Grant Program to Promote Inclusive Outdoor Recreation

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today launched a new grant program to make outdoor recreational activities more accessible to low-income residents, communities of color, and people living with disabilities. The Massachusetts Inclusive and Accessible Outdoor Recreation Events Grant Program is the first funding initiative by the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). The office will award $100,000 to support organizations in creating or expanding events across the state, helping to promote Massachusetts as a welcoming, inclusive, diverse, and accessible place to play outside. 

“I am proud to launch the Massachusetts Inclusive and Accessible Outdoor Recreation Events Grant Program. It is the perfect opportunity for organizations to showcase the beautiful rivers, trails, and parks that we have to offer to all residents and visitors,” said MOOR Director Paul Jahnige. “The creation and promotion of accessible and inclusive events in nature support not only our mental, physical, and social health but the state’s economic health. Outdoor recreation is essential to deepening our connection to each other and the natural environment.” 

The program will award organizations with grants of up to $10,000 to non-profits, municipalities, state agencies, and partnerships between grantees and private organizations. MOOR is enthusiastic about supporting events in the natural environment, such as birdwatching, boating, hiking, and stargazing, that encourage returning and new audiences to the great outdoors. MOOR expects to announce the awardees in Spring 2024. 

Launched in December 2022, MOOR collaborates with agencies to promote activities across the state, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, paddling, swimming, and more. Outdoor recreation is vital to the Massachusetts economy, contributing $11 billion to the economy, creating over 102,000 jobs, and boosting tourism. The benefits of outdoor play extend into both public health and environmental justice. Improving access to the outdoors improves the health of our communities while ensuring equity in outdoor recreation for historically underserved communities.  

Interested organizations can submit a bid and other necessary material online here.

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