Photo by Veronica Baker Amores
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Overview
The Global Climbing Initiative’s Environmental Grants empower climbing communities’ visions for environmental stewardship around the world.
In our sport’s current phase of rapid growth, the global climbing community has an opportunity to support the sustainability of climbing areas through all stages of development. With an increased number of climbers comes heightened need for projects to ensure crag environments are preserved and protected into the future. We are proud to partner directly with local climbing organizations and promote responsible grassroots stewardship of our crags and wilderness.
What is an environmental project?
We define environmental impact as the positive changes that result from actions to protect, preserve, and sustain natural climbing areas. This includes reducing human impact on crags and their surrounding ecosystems, as well as educating communities on responsible stewardship practices.
Climbing depends on healthy environments, and as the sport grows, so does our responsibility to care for these spaces. Environmental impact projects improve the sustainability of climbing areas, ensuring they remain accessible and preserved for future generations. These initiatives demonstrate how climbers can be leaders in environmental stewardship, setting an example for broader conservation efforts.
What this grant supports
We are looking to fund direct impact projects with clear and measurable outcomes to improve the long-term sustainability of crag environments. Project examples include:
Trail stewardship and erosion mitigation projects
Belay platforms
Signage
Trash/waste mitigation and sanitation projects
Parking area projects
Stewardship and Leave No Trace trainings
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 $1,000 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 environmental impact
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 Grant Timeline
August 1: Initial application due
August 4: Invitations to submit project proposal sent
August 29: Project proposal due (invite only)
September 17: Decisions sent
September 22-30: Grant meetings
October 1-March 31: Project period
60 days after completion of project: Photos, summary, impact metrics due
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.