Economic Development Grants

Overview

The Global Climbing Initiative’s Economic Development Grants support locally led projects that create income, jobs, tourism opportunities, and small businesses connected to climbing. These grants fund practical, community-driven efforts that help local climbers and communities benefit economically from climbing in sustainable ways, with an emphasis on local ownership, long-term stability, and projects shaped by local priorities.

What is an economic development project?

Economic development projects focus on building or strengthening income-generating activities connected to climbing, such as jobs, small businesses, tourism services, or community-owned infrastructure. These projects are led by local climbing communities and designed to support long-term economic stability rather than one-time activity. Strong economic development projects show how climbing can contribute to livelihoods, local ownership, and sustained community benefit over time.

What this grant supports

We fund direct impact projects with clear, measurable outcomes that support sustainable economic activity connected to climbing. Examples include:

• Developing new or existing crags in ways that responsibly support climbing tourism and local economies

• Training programs for local guides, instructors, crag developers, or small business owners

• Creating affordable, community-owned campgrounds or accommodations that generate ongoing revenue

• Projects that integrate local culture or crafts into the climbing experience to support local artisans

• Establishing climbing-related food or hospitality businesses, such as cafés, small restaurants, or snack stands near climbing areas

This list is not exhaustive. We welcome other project ideas that align with locally led, sustainable economic development through climbing.

Eligibility criteria

Projects must be:

• Related to climbing (indoor or outdoor)

• Led by a local climbing organization with demonstrated climbing-related impact

• Proposed by a local leader of that climbing organization

• Located outside of the continental United States, or led by an Indigenous community within the U.S.

Additionally, eligibility is subject to compliance and risk considerations.

Organizations may not receive funding in the same grant category in back-to-back cycles. Applications from past grant partners are welcome in non-consecutive cycles or in a different grant category and will be evaluated equally alongside all other proposals.

Grant parameters

• Grant amount: Up to $2,000 USD in the Economic Development category

• Project leadership: Local climbing organization

• Project period: Six months (see current cycle dates)

Strong proposals include:

• A clear scope of work

• Defined goals and measurable economic impact

• A realistic timeline and detailed budget

Factors in selection

Because we receive more applications than we can fund, we prioritize proposals that demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with the Economic Development Grant category
  The project directly supports community-centered opportunities for income, jobs, tourism opportunities, or small businesses.

• Local leadership and community engagement
  The project is led by local climbers and shaped with input from the community it serves.

• Capacity and follow-through
  The organization has the experience, structure, and team needed to complete the project.

• Measurable impact
  The proposal clearly explains what will change as a result of the project and how success will be measured.

• Feasibility and sustainability
  The project has a realistic plan and contributes to lasting social benefit beyond the grant period.

• Equity and representation
  Projects led by climbers who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, or from other underrepresented groups are prioritized.

• Financial and operational transparency
  Strong applications include a detailed, well-reasoned budget and timeline.

• Alignment with GCI values
  The proposal reflects GCI’s values and commitment to locally led, community-driven work.

What we can’t fund for this grant

Our Economic Development Grants cannot support:

• Projects located in the continental United States (unless led by an Indigenous community)

• Projects not led by local climbers 

• Projects without a clear connection to climbing

• Projects not centered on economic impact 

• Research, academic projects, conferences, or white papers

• Social media or public awareness campaigns

• Political campaigns or advocacy 

• Land acquisition, easements, or endowments

• Salaries, stipends, or general operating costs 

• Proposals without a clear scope, plan, or timeline

Grant partner requirements

Grant recipients are required to:

• Sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU), code of conduct, and photography agreement

• Attend a project kickoff meeting with GCI

• Name us as a supporter/sponsor in any public communications (such as social media) related to the project

• Within 60 days of project completion, grant partners must provide:

  • Folder of quality photos

  • 1-2 page project summary

  • Qualitative and quantitative metrics

  • Quotes/testimonials from the project team

  • A short survey

  • Collaboration with GCI on a social media post

Spring 2026 Grant Timeline

January 5-28: Initial application

Mid-January: Informational webinars

February 2-25: Project proposal (by invitation only)

March 18: Decisions sent

March 23-31: Grant meetings

April 1-September 30: Project period

60 days after completion of project: Photos, summary, impact metrics due

Economic Development Grants