Photo by Yana Climb

 

Supported by

 
 
 

Overview 

GCI's Creative Impact Grants support climbing communities worldwide in sharing their perspectives and experiences through innovative projects in the arts.

Within our global community, storytelling is a powerful tool to uplift communities and provide pathways of support to climbing leaders. GCI’s Creative Grant aims to facilitate sustainable community development by supporting and spotlighting creative initiatives that amplify diverse voices in climbing. Each community has its own distinct stories, struggles, and triumphs. Therefore, we are committed to working closely with grant recipients to ensure that the awarded funds contribute to addressing the specific needs of their community.

What this grant supports

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  


Proposed projects must meet the following requirements: 

  • Requests of or under $1000 USD

  • Led by a local climbing organization

  • Implemented between October 2024 and March 2025

  • Clear scope of work

  • Quantifiable impacts on the selected community 

  • Detailed timeline and budget information

  • Activities that are sustainable beyond the grant term


We will be prioritizing funding for climbing communities that do not currently have avenues of financial support for projects like these.  We are also specifically interested in supporting projects led by individuals who are currently underrepresented in the climbing industry, including climbers who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.

What we can't fund for this grant

  • Projects that take place inside the continental United States

  • 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 

Applications for the Fall 2024 cycle have closed.

Applications for the Spring 2025 cycle will be open February 1-28 for projects between April and September 2025.

Please send any questions to grants@globalclimbing.org.

Click here to preview Creative Grant application questions (subject to change for the Spring 2025 cycle)