North Carolina Outdoors Future Fund

North Carolina boasts some of the most beautiful outdoor places in the country, from the Emerald and other coastal beaches on to the Blue Ridge Mountains. MadeXMountains Partnership, a leading outdoor recreation funder in the state, provides private outdoor equity grants to local organizations working to get more people outside. However, the current need for the program is far greater than the available private funding.

Through community-led coalitions, local organizations are coming together to think through how to best address barriers like limited transportation and complicated permitting processes. One solution is a state-funded outdoor futures program in North Carolina, which would provide grants to local organizations addressing these barriers. Not only could a state fund boost the outdoor recreation economy, but it would also foster healthier communities and ensure that nature is accessible to all.