Economic Development Grants

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We define economic development as initiatives that promote long-term economic growth and resilience through locally driven strategies. These projects generate jobs, attract tourism, support local businesses, and provide climbers with opportunities to sustainably support themselves and their communities. By investing in these efforts, we aim to help communities harness the power of climbing as a force for economic empowerment.

We are looking to fund direct impact projects with clear and measurable outcomes that foster sustainable economic growth in climbing communities. Project examples include:

• Developing new or existing crags strategically positioned to catalyze climbing tourism

• Training programs for local guides, instructors, business owners, or crag developers who will support the growth of climbing economy and tourism

• Building affordable and community-owned climbing campgrounds or accommodations to support tourism and create a revenue stream for future projects

• Projects that incorporate local cultural heritage, such as traditional crafts or storytelling, into the climbing experience to enrich visitor engagement and boost local artisans

• Establishing climbing-related food or hospitality businesses, such as cafes, small restaurants, or snack stands near climbing areas that cater to climbers’ needs while promoting local cuisine and employment

• 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 your 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

• Projects without a significant relationship to climbing

• Projects not centered on economic development

• 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 endowments, acquisitions, or easements 

• Salaries, stipends, or general operating costs