Photo by Chiguanoikos Climbing Festival
What makes a strong application?
Following instructions directly, elaborating on why your project matters and what the expected impacts will be, describing the stakeholders involved and who is coming together to make this feasible, adding examples of measurable metrics, providing plenty of detail on the plan, and writing in your own voice and your own words. For more tips, check out this resource.
Can I apply in this cycle if my organization received a grant from GCI in a previous cycle?
We will not award grants to the same organization in the same category in back-to-back cycles (e.g. Fall 2025 and then Spring 2026). If applying in a different category, or applying in non-back to back cycles, the application will be evaluated equally against others regardless of past award status.
Can I use ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence tools?
We understand that AI tools can feel helpful. However, they often create generic applications that lose the voice of the community. We would strongly prefer to hear your proposal in your own voice. If you would like to use AI to help with your application, please use it as an editing/ideas tool, not a writing tool. If writing in English does not feel comfortable, we highly encourage you to write your application in your native language, and we will translate it.
Do I need to write in English?
No—in fact, we would prefer that you write in the language you feel most comfortable in if it helps your voice and ideas come through. We will translate any submissions made in languages other than English. They will be considered equally to all other applications.
I’m not a local to the country that I want to suggest a project for. Can I apply?
We require that the primary applicant be local to the place that the project would take place in. This is because, in alignment with our values, we understand that local vision is key to developing projects that best meet the needs of the community, maximize positive impact, and foster the growth of local leaders stewarding the growth of climbing in their area.
We recognize that visiting or foreign resident climbers often have a profound impact on the trajectory of crags and communities. As a visitor or foreign resident, you may co-envision a project in partnership with local climbers and support them in shaping the application. To meet GCI requirements, please select a local member of the project team to be the primary applicant and primary responsible for the project. List all other team members under “other individuals who advised, mentored, or edited this application” and “project team and responsibilities.”
Can I be the primary applicant if I am from the community that my project would serve, but I live in another country?
Local climbing leaders (physically based in the community the project serves) are essential to ensuring the project is carried out well and catalyzes long-term positive impacts after the project is finished. Individuals living outside of the location where the project would take place may be listed as collaborators on the project, but not the primary applicant.
Are all communities from all countries eligible to apply?
Projects must take place outside of the continental United States (unless led by an Indigenous community in the US) and be led by local vision. Our reason for this is that access to the climbing industry and resources for projects is more difficult outside of the continental United States, and these grants exist to address those barriers.
We are also specifically interested in supporting projects led by individuals from low-resource backgrounds, as well as those who are currently underrepresented in the climbing industry, including climbers who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, as individuals of these identities tend to experience greater barriers in accessing recognition and support for projects.
Your application says applicants must be a representative of a local climbing organization. Can I apply if my local climbing community doesn’t have a climbing organization?
We prioritize partnership with community groups that have put in the time and effort to define their mission, establish a team, and collaborate on projects together to demonstrate capacity and project follow-through. We do not require proof of official registration, because we know that can be a difficult process in some countries. If you do not yet have a group of local climbers ready to lead the project you’d like to propose, we suggest you focus your efforts on shaping that group first before applying.
I am not a climber, but I have an idea for a climbing-related project. Can I apply?
Because climbing and related projects require a great amount of contextual knowledge, it is essential that climbers shape the vision for each project and carry the responsibility for project oversight and completion. The project overview should describe any collaborating organizations involved, including non-climbing organizations, and contextualize the relationship between them.
My project is focused on hiking, mountaineering, or alpinism. Is it eligible?
No, we cannot fund hiking, mountaineering, or alpinism projects at this time. Only projects connected to climbing (outdoor or indoor) may be considered.
I see this grant is for a 6 month project. Can we apply proposing a longer-term project?
We require spring grant projects to take place between April and September, and fall grant projects to take place between October and March. This is because a clear start and end date to the project help us manage expectations and clarify the scope and impact. If you have a more long-term vision for your project, we suggest you focus your application on a component of the project that can be accomplished in 6 months or less and demonstrate clear metrics of success toward the larger goal.
My project crosses multiple countries. Is this permitted?
Yes, as long as the application is co-envisioned, co-led, and co-written by individuals who are local to each area. Please list all individuals involved under “individuals who advised, mentored, or edited this application” and “project team and responsibilities.”
Can the project propose investing in the skills of one or a few individuals?
Because these are community grants, your proposal should center on a project that creates broad positive impacts for the community your climbing organization serves. Investment in the skills of the leader(s) of a climbing organization can be one part of your project plan, as long as there is a clear vision presented for how that investment will be built upon to create positive measurable ripple effects for the broader community.
My climbing organization is operating in a country where it is unsafe for us to have social media or share photos of our activities. How does this work with your grant requirements?
Please share any specific circumstances in your application. Safety is of the utmost importance, and we will adjust grant requirements in unique circumstances.
My project overlaps with more than one grant category. Which one should I select?
Select the category you think is more of a fit. If we identify an overlapping fit and would like to consider it in multiple grant categories, we will do so.
Can I submit applications for multiple projects (in the same category or different categories)?
Yes. They will be considered equally to all other applications.
Can I add photos, a slide deck, or other supporting materials?
These are not expected or required, but they can help us better understand your proposed project. If you want to include supplemental materials, please upload them to a Google Drive folder and include the link in one of your answers. Please make sure you set view permissions for any folder to "public."
Will I receive a copy of my application?
Yes, the forms will send a copy to the email address you input at the beginning of the application. This will be your confirmation of submission. Make sure there are no typos in your email address.
Can I edit my application after submitting it?
We ask that you wait to submit your application until you are sure it’s your final draft, since we begin processing and evaluating applications as soon as we receive them. However, we understand that sometimes things happen unexpectedly that require you to make small changes to your proposal. If you would like to request permission to submit a new version before the application deadline, please email grants@globalclimbing.org to inquire for permission to re-submit your application so that we’re aware there will be a new version.
What is the application deadline?
No matter where in the world you are located, you may submit the Spring 2025 application up until 11:59pm UTC-12 (the last time zone in the world where it is still February 28, 2025).
When will I receive a response?
All Spring 2025 applicants will be notified of their application status by March 17, 2025. Please add grants@globalclimbing.org to your email address book to reduce the chance of our email going to spam. If you do not see an email, please check your spam folder.
If my project is not selected, will I receive feedback on it?
You are welcome to reply to your notification email and request feedback on your application.
Can I ask further questions not answered here?
Yes, email grants@globalclimbing.org.