The Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) grant offers financial support to tax-exempt organizations to help engage under-served populations in outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education. The program is aligned with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) mission, aiming to build relationships with communities that have historically been underrepresented in TPWD activities and initiatives. This includes low-income groups, ethnic minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. The overarching goal is to provide more equitable access to outdoor experiences and foster greater participation in activities that promote environmental stewardship and conservation.

Eligible organizations include a wide range of tax-exempt entities such as local government agencies, universities, school districts, and non-profit organizations. These organizations are invited to apply for grants to create programs that promote outdoor activities and conservation education. The focus is on expanding access to these activities for under-served groups, helping to ensure that more Texans have the opportunity to experience and appreciate the state’s natural resources.

CO-OP grants range from $5,000 to $100,000 and operate on a reimbursement basis. This means that grant recipients must first incur eligible expenses and submit the appropriate documentation to TPWD before receiving reimbursement. Funds can be used for a variety of programming expenses, including personnel costs, food and travel expenses, liability insurance for participants, entrance fees to outdoor venues, as well as outdoor recreation equipment and environmental education materials. By covering these costs, the CO-OP grant helps to reduce barriers for organizations seeking to engage diverse communities in outdoor activities.

The application cycle for CO-OP grants occurs annually, with a submission deadline of November 1st each year. Successful applicants will receive funding following the deadline, with the funds intended to support programs that align with TPWD’s mission. Given the reimbursement structure of the program, organizations need to plan for initial out-of-pocket expenses before receiving grant funds.

This program provides a vital opportunity for tax-exempt organizations to support outdoor recreation and conservation education among populations that may not otherwise have access to such experiences. The emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and environmental awareness makes the CO-OP grant a valuable resource for promoting outdoor engagement across Texas.