Photo by Mountain Club Uganda
What makes a strong application?
We have a limited quantity of gear, and we receive many applications from climbing organizations around the world. You can optimize your chances for being selected by answering the questions completely, sharing your organization's mission, describing your programming, providing specific examples of what your organization has achieved, and clearly articulating why you need this gear (what the difference will be if you receive this gear vs. what is currently possible with only the gear you have). If you are selected as a possible gear partner, we will need your active participation in finding and coordinating someone to transport the gear from the United States to your country.
Does my organization need to be officially registered?
Different countries have unique circumstances and requirements about establishing a nonprofit or community organization. Therefore, we do not require official documentation of legal registration. We only require that you are an organized group/community with a reliable group of people dedicated to your mission and working together to achieve shared goals. Having a social media presence and/or website describing your mission and impact is very helpful for us to understand how you are bringing your community together.
Can I apply in this cycle if my organization has received gear from GCI before?
Yes, you can apply for multiple gear distributions - just make sure you clearly explain what this specific gear request will enable you to do compared to only the gear you currently have.
Can I use ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence tools?
We understand that AI tools can feel helpful. However, they often create generic applications that lose the voice of the community. We would strongly prefer to hear your application in your own voice. If you would like to use AI to help with your application, please use it as an editing/ideas tool, not a copy-and-paste writing tool. If writing in English does not feel comfortable, we highly encourage you to write your application in your native language, and we will translate it.
Do I need to write in English?
No—in fact, we would prefer that you write in the language you feel most comfortable in if it helps your voice and ideas come through. We will translate any submissions made in languages other than English. They will be considered equally to all other applications.
I want to request gear on behalf of a community, but I’m not a local to that community. Can I submit an application?
We require that the gear applicant be local to the community requesting gear. This is because, in alignment with our values, we understand that local vision is key to developing projects that best meet the needs of the community, maximize positive impact, and foster the growth of local leaders stewarding the growth of climbing in their area. It is also key that the gear be overseen and managed by a local contact.
We recognize that visiting or foreign resident climbers often have a profound impact on the trajectory of crags and communities. As a visitor or foreign resident, you may support local climbers by providing advice and feedback on their application before submission.
Are all communities from all countries eligible to apply?
Our gear distribution partners must be based in locations where it is difficult to access climbing gear due to very high cost and/or gear not being sold in-country. This means we predominantly award gear in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Native American/First Nations communities. We are specifically interested in supporting organizations led by individuals who are underrepresented in the climbing industry, including those who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, as our goal is to equip climbers who have been systemically excluded from opportunities in the climbing industry.
I am not a climber, but I have an idea for a climbing-related project. Can I apply?
Because climbing and related projects require a great amount of contextual and safety knowledge, it is essential that the use of any gear we award is only managed by experienced climbers. At this time, we cannot award gear to inexperienced or aspiring climbers.
My organization is focused on hiking. Is it eligible?
No, we cannot support hiking organizations at this time. Only organizations centered on rock climbing (indoors or outdoors) may be considered.
Can I ask questions about the application?
Yes, email gear@globalclimbing.org.
What time does the application close?
No matter where in the world you are located, you may submit up until 11:59pm UTC-12 (the last time zone in the world where it is still May 23).
Will I receive a copy of my application?
Yes, the forms will send a copy via email to the address you input at the beginning of the application. This will be your confirmation of submission. Make sure there are no typos in your email address.
When will I receive a response?
All applicants will be notified of their application status on June 3. Please add gear@globalclimbing.org to your email address book to reduce the chance of our email going to spam. If you do not see an email, please check your spam folder.
If my organization is not selected, will I receive feedback on my application?
You may reply to your notification email requesting feedback on why your application was not selected.
Can I ask further questions not answered here?
Yes, email gear@globalclimbing.org.