Photo by Guatemala Escala

Overview

The Global Climbing Initiative’s Economic Development Grants support climbing communities worldwide in creating sustainable economic opportunities that benefit both climbers and their local communities.

As climbing continues to grow as a global sport, it brings unique opportunities for economic empowerment in regions where climbing serves as a focal point for tourism and community development. Local climbing organizations are well-positioned to harness these opportunities to create lasting economic impact, and our Economic Development Grants aim to help bring these visions to life.


What is an economic development project?

We define economic development initiatives as those 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.

What this grant supports

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

Eligibility criteria

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. Spring 2025 and then Fall 2025). 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.

Project requirements

  • Requests of or under $2,000 USD

  • Led by a local climbing organization

  • Proposed by a local climbing leader

  • Implemented between October 2025 and March 2026

  • Clear scope of work

  • Quantifiable impacts on your local community 

  • Detailed timeline and budget information

Factors in selection

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 and climbing organizations with deep ties to the local community. Strong proposals reflect a deep understanding of local needs and involve a variety of stakeholders in the planning and implementation processes.

  • 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.

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

What we can’t fund for this grant

  • 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 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 

Grant partner requirements

Each grant recipient must commit to the following as a condition of the grant:

  • Signing an ethics code of conduct and memorandum of understanding (MOU) 

  • Attending a project kickoff meeting with GCI before the project begins

  • Naming us as a supporter/sponsor in any events, media, or social media related to this grant project

  • Within 60 days of the completion of the grant project:

    • Providing quality photos

    • Reporting on impact metrics

    • Writing a brief project summary

    • Completing a survey

  • Collaborating with our team to produce a social media post

 

Fall 2025 Initial Applications are due August 1.

Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full Project Proposal between August 4 and 29.

Please send any questions to grants@globalclimbing.org.