2026-2027 Outdoor Learning
Gear Fund

Outdoor learning offers numerous benefits for students, including well-being, learning, and belonging. But we consistently hear from educators who are working in lower income areas that one of the biggest barriers they experience in getting outside with their learners is a lack of warm and weather-appropriate clothing to keep their learners prepared and comfortable. 

Teachers have identified a need for support to help make outdoor gear available to students, noting that children often come to school unsuitably dressed for the weather which makes it challenging to take learners outside for learning (Oberle et al., 2021).

This is why we created the Outdoor Learning Gear Fund - to help support Canadian educators directly with funds they can use to purchase outdoor gear for their learners. Removing barriers and increasing accessibility to outdoor learning is paramount, and this is one tangible way we can do just that!

The Outdoor Learning Gear Fund will provide $500 grants to 40 classes and groups of learners, supporting students who face socioeconomic barriers. Funding goes directly toward essential clothing items - mitts, boots, toques, jackets, rain gear, and more - so that weather is never a reason to stay indoors.

The application process for educators will be open August 20-September 30, 2026, and funding will be allocated in October 2026. 

We’re very thankful for the generosity of the Pauw Foundation whose support makes the Outdoor Learning Gear Fund possible.

Want to help more children and youth get outside? Donations are always welcome. Thank you!

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Source: Eva Oberle, Megan Zeni, Fritha Munday & Mariana Brussoni (2021) Support Factors and Barriers for Outdoor Learning in Elementary Schools: A Systemic Perspective, American Journal of Health Education, 52:5, 251-265, DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2021.1955232