Creative Grants

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We define a creative project as an initiative that uses artistic expression to share stories, amplify voices, and celebrate the diversity of climbing communities. These projects can take many forms—visual, written, or experiential—but they all reflect the unique identities, experiences, and challenges of climbers around the world. Creative projects inspire connection, understanding, and pride within climbing communities, fostering bonds that transcend borders.

In the climbing world, creativity is not just about art—it’s about resilience, perspective, and innovation. Whether through photography, storytelling, or other artistic mediums, creative projects uplift underrepresented voices and build a sense of belonging that strengthens the global climbing community.

We are looking to fund direct impact projects that seek to highlight the voices and visions of local, underrepresented climbing communities.

Project examples include:

• Short films

• Climbing photography 

• Literary projects 

• Creative clinics, such as climbing photography clinics 

• Festivals centered on climbing and storytelling/creative expression 

Proposals must be related to climbing (outdoor or indoor), led by a climbing organization outside of the continental United States (or representing an Indigenous community within the United States), and submitted by a member of the local climbing community.

Please note that 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.

• Requests of or under $1,000 USD

• Led by a local climbing organization

• Implemented between April and September 2025

• Clear scope of work

• Quantifiable impacts on the selected community 

• Detailed timeline and budget information

• Activities that are sustainable beyond the grant term

Each application cycle, we receive more proposals than we have the funds to award. In order to strengthen your application and maximize your chances of selection, we recommend considering the following:

• Clear alignment with the grant category
  Proposals should explicitly address the goals and priorities of the selected grant category (Social Impact, Creative, Environmental, or Economic Development). Strong applications show how the proposed project will create meaningful change in its intended focus area.

• Community leadership and local engagement
  We prioritize projects led by local climbers or climbing organizations that have deep ties to the local community. Strong proposals reflect a deep understanding of local needs and involve a wide variety of stakeholders in the planning and implementation process.

• Demonstrated organizational strength
  Proposals are strengthened when submitted by well-established local climbing organizations with a proven track record of successful projects. Your application should highlight your team’s composition, organizational history, and past accomplishments, providing confidence in your group’s ability to deliver results.

• Defined goals and measurable impact
  Successful proposals outline specific objectives and include metrics to measure impact. Strong proposals clearly describe how the project will make a tangible, positive difference in the climbing community or environment.

• Feasibility and sustainability
  We value projects with realistic timelines, budgets, and scope of work. Strong proposals demonstrate thoughtful planning and include strategies to ensure the project’s benefits extend beyond the grant term.

• Elevation of underrepresented groups
  We are committed to promoting equity in the climbing world. Proposals led by climbers who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, or from other underrepresented groups will receive priority consideration.

• Financial and operational transparency
  Strong applications include a detailed, well-reasoned budget and timeline. Proposals should also demonstrate how grant funds will be used effectively and ethically to achieve the stated goals.

• Alignment with GCI values
  Proposals should reflect the values of the Global Climbing Initiative.

• Projects that take place inside the continental United States (unless led by an Indigenous community)

• Projects not led by local climbers or artists 

• Projects without a significant relationship to climbing

• Projects not centered on creative works 

• Projects that are not aligned with the values of GCI

• Proposals without a clear scope or plan

• Research, white papers, academic projects, or conferences

• Social media or public awareness campaigns

• Political campaigns or advocacy 

• Land endowment, acquisitions, or easements 

• Salaries, stipends, or general operating costs