Congratulations to our 2022 Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund Grant Recipients!
In honor of the 10-year anniversary of the WinterKids Downhill 24, WinterKids created the Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund to help get even more kids outside and active across Maine and beyond. This fund will help to address the barriers to healthy outdoor activity, including but not limited to equipment, clothing, and transportation.
For the inaugural year of the WinterKids Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund, WinterKids is granting $25,000 to 4 organizations to help get kids outside and active more often. These winning schools were determined by community vote:
$10,000 Grant Winner
Noble Middle School
Location: Berwick, ME (York County)
Organization Type: Maine public school
Noble Middle School’s Physical Education Program plans to use these funds to:
- Renovate an on-campus pond as a recreation center for PE classes
- Acquire the equipment needed for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing
- Make improvements to an on-campus trail for better access to hiking, snowshoeing, and XC skiing
- Renovate 3 tennis courts at Noble Middle School (the only courts in their school district), and acquire all necessary equipment to utilize the courts for PE. They also eventually plan to introduce the sport at the middle and high school levels.
$5,000 Grant Winner
Bruce M. Whittier Middle School
Location: Poland, ME (Androscoggin County)
Organization Type: Maine public school
Bruce M. Whittier Middle School plans to use these funds to:
- Purchase a fleet of snowshoes that will allow their students to get outside and active, exploring acres of open space surrounding the school during the winter months.
- Support the continued success of Whittier Run Program events
$5,000 Grant Winner
Auburn Middle School
Location: Auburn, ME (Androscoggin County)
Organization Type: Maine public school
Auburn Middle School plans to use these funds to:
- Maintain a trail system situated directly behind the school to keep them safe for student use/access.
- Build a storage shed to properly store bikes and equipment
- Acquire XC Skis and Snowshoes for winter trail use
$5,000 Grant Winner
Mount Abram Regional High School
Location: Salem Township, ME (Franklin County)
Organization Type: Maine public school
Mount Abram Regional High School plans to use these funds to:
- Expand opportunities for students to get outside for winter camping, survival skills, and map/compass work.
- Acquire gear to adequately equip students for winter outings
Honorable Mentions!
The following organizations will receive $500 honorable mention awards for receiving top votes in their categories of schools, recreation departments, and community nonprofits:
Memorial Middle School
Organization Type: Maine public school
Location: South Portland, ME (Cumberland County)
Bangor Parks & Rec
Organization Type: Parks & Recreation Department
Location: Bangor, ME (Penobscot County)
Alfond Youth & Community Center
Organization Type: Maine 501(c)(3)
Location: Waterville, ME (Kennebec County)
