Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) Grants

The Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a state agency responsible for managing and conserving Texas natural and cultural resources while providing outdoor recreational opportunities. The CO-OP grant is designed to expand access to these resources by funding programs that specifically engage underserved and underrepresented populations in outdoor recreation, environmental education, and conservation activities aligned with the agency’s mission. Through this initiative, the department aims to build long-term relationships with communities that have historically had limited participation in its programs. The primary purpose of the CO-OP grant is to support programming that introduces participants to outdoor recreation experiences while fostering environmental stewardship and conservation awareness. Funded projects are expected to deliver hands-on activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, wildlife observation, and environmental education programming. These efforts must align with one or more of the program’s priority areas, including outdoor recreation access, environmental education tied to Texas ecosystems, and conservation practices that encourage citizen participation and leadership development. Funding is provided to tax-exempt organizations in amounts ranging from 5000 to 100000 dollars. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning that recipients must initially incur eligible expenses and then submit appropriate documentation to receive reimbursement. Allowable expenses include personnel costs directly tied to the project, food and travel expenses, training, participant liability insurance, program and park fees, and necessary equipment or supplies. However, funds cannot be used for construction projects or indirect overhead expenses, reinforcing the program’s focus on direct program delivery rather than infrastructure development. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt organizations in good standing, including local governments, universities, school districts, and nonprofit organizations. Applicants must also comply with state requirements, including registration with the Texas Comptroller and the System of Award Management. Only one active grant is permitted per organization at any given time. The program does not require matching funds, which lowers barriers for smaller or resource-constrained organizations seeking to serve underserved communities. Applications must be submitted through the designated online grant management system by November 1 each year, with a strict deadline of 5:00 PM Central Time and no exceptions for late submissions. Required components include a complete application form, a governing body resolution authorizing submission, and any supporting documentation such as commitment letters from partners if applicable. Applications are evaluated competitively using established scoring criteria that assess alignment with program priorities, participant impact, and program feasibility. Awards are announced on March 1 following the application deadline, and successful applicants are notified via email. The grant performance period begins on the award date and extends for 18 months, ending on September 1 of the following year. During this period, all program activities and eligible expenditures must occur. The program is offered annually, creating a recurring opportunity for organizations to apply and refine their proposals based on prior feedback or outcomes. For assistance, applicants may contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department directly by phone. The agency also offers grant writing workshops each fall to support applicants in preparing competitive submissions. Overall, the CO-OP grant represents a structured, mission-driven funding opportunity focused on increasing equitable access to outdoor experiences while promoting conservation education and stewardship across Texas communities.