The doubled allocation to Swedish Outdoor Life of SEK 97.8 million, which was decided in 2022 by the government, remains in the budget in 2023. New for this year is that outdoor recreation organizations have had the opportunity to apply for funding to develop strategies and establish activities with a focus on sustainability.

The distribution of state funds to outdoor recreation organizations is now complete.

A total of 87 applications were received from 29 different organizations for a total of 120 million SEK. An oversubscription rate of 22 percent. 

SEK 57 million was applied for in organizational grants from 16 organizations and SEK 63 million in operating grants.

14 applications from 12 organizations were granted 14 million SEK for activities that focused on sustainability.

– With the government sticking to a doubled allocation for outdoor activities – it also means that organized outdoor activities have the opportunity to develop. Together with our member organizations, Svenskt Friluftsliv wants to lower the thresholds so that everyone can get out into nature. With resources, this is also possible, says Susanne Maarup, chairwoman of Svenskt Friluftsliv.

– It is gratifying to see that so many organizations within the outdoor community want and have the ambition to work sustainably. Through the new focus area, we enable more organizations to begin their sustainability work, says Josefine Åhrman, Secretary General of Swedish Outdoor Activities.

The Swedish Outdoor Activities Organization has been responsible for the distribution of government grants since 2010. 

When assessing the applications, the committee was instructed by the board of the Swedish Outdoor Association to prioritize applications that strive to fulfill the 10 outdoor policy goals as well as investments in children and young people and new target groups that are far from outdoor life. The committee was also to establish a focus area "Sustainability" that will apply for a four-year period.

According to the press release.