Each partner in the North Carolina Outdoors for All Fund Coalition brings a unique landscape story to the table, some of those stories are told in different languages. What unites us is a shared commitment to connectivity and access. While the landscapes themselves are already interconnected, our work focuses on connecting people through education, civic engagement, outdoor recreation, and investment. Together, we have a responsibility to prioritize the stewardship of these landscapes—not only for ourselves and our communities but also for future generations.
Values & Guiding Principles
“It shall be the policy of this State to conserve and protect its lands and waters for the benefit of all its citizenry, and to this end it shall be a proper function of the State of North Carolina and its political subdivisions to acquire and preserve park, recreational, and scenic areas, to control and limit the pollution of our air and water, to control excessive noise, and in every other appropriate way to preserve as a part of the common heritage of this State its forests, wetlands, estuaries, beaches, historical sites, open lands, and places of beauty.”
–N.C. Constitution, Article XIV, Section 5
Non-Negotiables (Core Values & Commitments)
These are fundamental values that will not change, regardless of funding, partnerships, or external influences. They define who we are and what we stand for.
Outdoor Access for All – Every person, regardless of background, ability, income, status, or location, should have the opportunity to enjoy North Carolina’s outdoor spaces.
Economic & Community Benefits – Investments in outdoor access should create jobs, support local economies, and strengthen communities.
Responsible Stewardship – Protecting and preserving North Carolina’s natural spaces is essential for future generations.
Collaboration & Partnership – Public-private partnerships, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration are key to long-term success.
Sustainable & Long-Term Impact – Outdoor initiatives must be designed for lasting benefits, not short-term fixes.
Transparency & Accountability – Grant funding and decision-making should be clear, fair, and based on measurable impact.
Negotiables (Flexible Approaches & Strategies)
These are areas where we can be adaptive based on funding opportunities, legislative changes, and coalition needs.
Funding Sources – Whether funding comes from state appropriations, lottery revenue, public-private partnerships, or corporate sponsors can be adjusted as opportunities arise.
Program Focus Areas – While core priorities remain, the specific types of projects and grant allocations can shift based on emerging needs (e.g., prioritizing rural access, youth programs, or infrastructure expansion).
Legislative Strategy – Approaches to engaging policymakers may evolve depending on political dynamics and funding cycles.
Fund Administration – Whether the fund is state-run, managed by a nonprofit, or structured as a hybrid model can be flexible based on what ensures the best long-term impact.
Partnership Models – The coalition may explore different levels of corporate sponsorship, nonprofit collaboration, or local government involvement as the initiative grows.