Climbing Leadership Fund

About The Climbing Leadership Fund

In 2022, GCI launched the Climbing Leadership Fund (CLF) to equip climbing community leaders around the world. While many such individuals have strong visions for their communities, they often lack access to training, resources, and apprenticeship. Through the CLF, we are working together with these climbing leaders to continue building their local climbing communities and create a thriving outdoor culture. The CLF specifically supports individuals who have been traditionally underrepresented in the climbing industry, including women and genderqueer individuals, People of Color, and people outside of the US and Europe.

Those selected as part of the Climbing Leadership Fund receive safety trainings and certifications, leadership education, individual mentorship, and access to our networks within the climbing industry. These leaders are the future of climbing development internationally and key to expanding climbing accessibility to all, regardless of sex, race, or income. The CLF aims to help them lead their communities safely and build a more inclusive future for this sport.

Our first recipients are Prerna Dangi (co-founder of Climb Like A Woman in India) and Liz Ndindi and Nyamzy Giati (leaders of Climbing Life Kenya). These women will attend an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Course in order to strengthen their skills and bring back valuable safety knowledge to their communities. In the future, our goal is to expand the CLF to fund trainings in-country to spread access to even more climbing leaders.

A Note on Payment Methods

Consider donating directly from your bank account to minimize fees and maximize your donation. To do this, click “choose another payment method.” Then select “Donate Via Bank Account” on the next page. Email us at info@climbinginitiative.org if you need any help.

Tax Deduction

All donors receive an emailed receipt for tax deduction purposes.