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V O L . X X X I I N O. X X I I 120 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 6 – 2 0 2 7 N O N P RO F I T P RO F I L E P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F W I N T E R K I D S P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F W I N T E R K I D S P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F W I N T E R K I D S 2027 GOALS As WinterKids celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Winter Games, the organization is focused on expanding opportu- nities for children across Maine to develop healthy lifelong habits. Priorities for 2027 include expanding the reach of the Winter Games and Learn Outside Guide, strengthening educator professional development, growing participation in the WinterKids Passport, and increasing access to out- door winter experiences for children and families statewide. WinterKids is also focused on building the partnerships and philanthropic support necessary to sustain and grow this work for years to come. RECOGNITION AND LEADERSHIP WinterKids was honored with the Governor's Award for Business Excellence in the nonprofit category, marking the first time in the award's history that nonprofit organizations were included and recognized. In 2025, WinterKids also received the Positive Experiences for Youth Award from Maine Youth Thriving for its commitment to helping children build healthy lifelong habits through outdoor learning, movement, and play. WinterKids is recognized as a trusted statewide leader in youth wellness and outdoor education, collaborating with edu- cators, healthcare providers, businesses, and community orga- nizations to ensure all children have opportunities to move, learn, and explore. Through these partnerships, WinterKids reaches more than 24,000 children and 1,200 educators annu- ally across all 16 Maine counties. Staff members are frequently invited to contribute their expertise to statewide conversations about Maine's outdoor economy and youth engagement. In 2026, Executive Director Courtney McKenna participated in Maine's Outdoor Economy Summit, providing an update on the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation's 10-Year Roadmap, and joined Mainebiz's Women's Leadership Forum as a panelist. Education Development Director Tom Long joined the Maine Outdoor Film Festival's Earth Day in July panel to discuss strategies for engaging youth in outdoor activities and fostering lifelong connec- tions to the outdoors. FUNDRAISING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES WinterKids hosts several annual events that engage commu- nities while supporting its mission. Their signature fundraiser, Downhill 24 at Sugarloaf, brings together hundreds of skiers, riders, and businesses for a 24-hour endurance challenge. Additional community events and campaigns throughout the year, including Welcome to Winter, provide opportunities for individuals and businesses to invest in healthier, more active futures for Maine children. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES WinterKids offers a variety of ways for individuals, families, busi- nesses, and foundations to invest in the health and well-being of Maine children. Supporters can make annual gifts, sponsor pro- grams and events, contribute through donor-advised funds, work- place giving programs, or planned giving, and establish multi-year partnerships that expand access to outdoor learning and active play. Financial partners make it possible for WinterKids to reach children in every Maine county—helping schools bring learning outdoors, connecting families with winter recreation, and reducing barriers that can prevent children from experiencing Maine win- ters. Contributions of all sizes help ensure that children, families, and educators have opportunities to move, learn, and explore. To learn more about giving opportunities, visit winterkids. org or contact the organization to discuss customized partner- ship opportunities. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteers play an important role in advancing the WinterKids mission. Opportunities include supporting family events, assist- ing with Downhill 24, serving on committees, and sharing pro- fessional expertise. Volunteers help create meaningful expe- riences that inspire children to move, learn, and explore out- doors year-round. WinterKids AT A GLANCE Established: 2000 Employees: 5 Annual revenue: $988,462 506 Main St., Suite 24A Westbrook, ME 04092 207-871-5700 winterkids.org WinterKids @winterkidsmaine WinterKids MISSION STATEMENT: WinterKids helps children develop healthy lifelong habits through education and fun outdoor winter activity. SERVICE LOCATIONS: WinterKids is statewide across all 16 Maine counties, serving children, families, and educa- tors in rural, urban, and coastal communities from Kittery to Fort Kent. TOP FUNDING SOURCES: 73% Individual Support 19% Corporate Support 7% Program Revenues 1% Foundations LEADERSHIP Courtney McKenna, Executive Director BOARD OFFICERS Chad Creelman, Board President Justin Brewer, Board Co-Vice President Jillian Rich, Board Co-Vice President Rory O'Brion, Board Treasurer Courtney McKenna, Board Secretary Dirk Gowens, Board Ex-Officio BOARD MEMBERS Abe Furth Jessica Gagne John Giffune Marnie Grumbach Joe LaJoie Taylor Lee Peter Lowell Kristen Mazoki, DO Brent Vanni Brean Witmer