Your support of the Maine Early Childhood Outdoors Gear Grant provides access to outdoor education for early learners.

Research-backed outdoor learning supports children’s physical health, mental well-being, creativity, and academic engagement. Early childhood programs emphasize that connection to nature is not just enrichment—it’s essential for healthy development and long-term environmental stewardship.


Many children face a “nature gap”—limited access to outdoor experiences due to socioeconomic, geographic, or systemic barriers. Organizations like Maine Early Childhood Outdoors prioritize equitable access so all children can benefit from outdoor learning. Children lacking appropriate outdoor gear, especially rain gear, has been identified as a significant barrier for Maine Early Childhood Centers.

Donate to the Gear Grant

Gear Grant Testimonials

  • Busy Beez Child Care

    “We purchased much needed snow gear.

    Many times our after-school children come off the bus with wet outdoor gear. By having high quality extras, we are able to go outside comfortably every afternoon.”

  • Step-By-Step Child Care

    We now possess all the gear we need for children to get outside year round. The kids; the families; the staff love the suits! It has been a very positive purchase for everyone!

  • Parent of a student at The Children’s Ark Learning Academy

    “The way this daycare supports my children, particularly by providing outdoor clothing, helps me feel supported and truly seen as a mom.”

  • Boys & Girls Club Kennebec Valley

    “Maine weather is unpredictable and it makes it very hard to go outside. With our new rainsuits we have been able to spend more time outdoors.”

Frequently Asked Questions About MaineECO’s Gear Grant

    • All donations go directly to purchasing high quality outdoor apparel for licensed childcare centers in Maine

    • All gear is tested and selected based on quality and purchased for bulk and discounted prices through Outdoor School Shop

    • Outdoor apparel purchased by programs may include, but is not limited to: rain/snow boots, rain/snow pants and jackets, hats, mittens, base layers, fleece jackets, and socks for adults and children at the program. 

    • Examples of what your donation could support are as follows:

      • $75 rain pants and jacket

      • $100 teacher insulated boots

      • $100 teacher rain pants and jacket

      • $125 complete set of rain gear for one child (boots, pants, jacket, rain mittens)

      • $150 teacher snow pants

      • $175 snow pants & jacket for one child

      • $250 complete set of snow gear for one child (boots, pants, jacket, hat & mittens)

      • $400 complete teacher set: boots, rain pants & jacket, snow pants, hat and gloves

      • $750 complete classroom set of winter hats & mittens for 18 children

      • $900 complete classroom set of winter or rain boots for 18 children

      • $2250 complete rain gear for class of 18 children

      • $4500 complete classroom set of snow gear for 18 children

  • Our application process is a simple form based on the idea that all children need outdoor gear in Maine regardless of where they live or what kind of childcare program they are in. Access to nature is a basic right that supports mental and physical health, social emotional skills, later academic success and overall well being. Maine’s climate necessitates outdoor apparel for children to have access to the outdoors.

    Because funds are limited we do prioritize high need child care programs based on a multifactor system which includes; childcare subsidy rates, state subsidy rates, county poverty rates, new american or indigenous population rates and general feedback from the applicants. 

    This helps reduce barriers and expand participation across diverse populations.

  • Grants are awarded to licensed child care programs in Maine.

    Beneficiaries of the grant funds and outdoor apparel are children, teachers, families, childcare programs and communities.

  • Based on feedback from past gear grant recipients, your support can:

    • Help a classroom learn outdoors for the first time in certain weather or during certain seasons

    • Increase the number of days a child goes outside in the year

    • Increase the amount of time a child spends outside each day

    • Deepen a child’s learning experience through increased engagement while outdoors

    • Make a child or teacher’s time outside more comfortable and enjoyable

    • Build lifelong memories and connections with the environment

    • Lessen parental stress when purchasing and caring for outdoor gear for their growing child

    • Lessen a teacher’s stress when preparing children for outdoor activities

    • Build classroom culture that is nature positive

    • Increase physical and mental health of children and their teachers

  • Impact is tracked through:

    • Grant reporting includes questionnaires, photos, narratives and interviews

    • Application and Participation Data

    • Other gear programs; Maine Gear Share Gear Rental Program, Maine Environmental Education Association Mini Grant Program, Gear Grant Programs in other States

    • Literary reviews and research

  • Yes. All donations go through MaineECO’s fiscal sponsor, MaineAEYC which is a registered 501(c)(3).

    You’ll receive an email confirmation, once you donate, which can be used as a receipt for tax purposes.

    If you need a more formal receipt to document this donation, please contact info@maineeco.org.

    • Subscribing to MaineECO’s newsletter is the best way to stay updated about our gear grant program, recipients and data.

    • Following us on FAcebook and Instagram will also provide updates

    • MaineECO’s Gear Grant Web Page is updated with news, stories, photos and data throughout the year

  • A donation can be made of any amount on our website by following this link: 

    Additionally, checks can be made with the following information:

    Payable to: Maine Early Childhood Outdoors 
    Memo: Gear Grant 

    Mail to: MaineAEYC 1 Weston Court Suite 203A, August ME 04330

Meet the Team

  • Monet Goode

    FOUNDER

    With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience.
    They set the tone for everything we do.

  • Emmett Marsh

    SALES MANAGER

    Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.

  • Eleanor Parks

    MARKETING DIRECTOR

    Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience.

  • Karl Holland

    CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

    Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, our customer service manager ensures every interaction is a positive one. They keep communication clear, timely, and human.

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