Kilter Board and The Global Climbing Initiative have partnered to increase access to climbing on a worldwide scale.
The Global Community Boards Program places Kilter Boards in communities where they can strengthen local climbing development, support youth leadership, create new opportunities for participation, and build pathways into outdoor climbing.
Our First Board: Malawi
In 2025, Kilter Board and GCI partnered with Climb Malawi to install the first Global Community Board at the Climb Malawi Climb Centre in Lilongwe.
The board supports climbing skill development, routesetting education, community programming, and broader access to climbing within Malawi's growing climbing community.
2026 Application Cycle
Applications are now open for the next Global Community Board.
For this cycle, applications are open exclusively to Indigenous, Native American, and Tribal communities and organizations located within the contiguous United States.
We are seeking applicants with:
A vision for youth climbing access and development
Existing or emerging connections to climbing
Community support and local leadership
A realistic installation plan
A commitment to keeping the board freely accessible to the community it is intended to serve
We recognize that not every community interested in climbing currently has extensive climbing experience. We welcome applications from communities with a clear vision and strong local leadership, including those working in partnership with climbers, climbing organizations, or other supporters.
Timeline
Applications open: June 15, 2026
Applications close: July 31, 2026
Application updates sent by: August 21, 2026
A small number of applicants may be invited to a follow-up conversation with GCI and Kilter Board to discuss project alignment, feasibility, and partnership readiness.
Because only one board is expected to be awarded during this cycle, we anticipate a highly competitive selection process.