Social Impact Grants

Photo by Lissi Chábeli

Social Impact Grants

Supported by

Overview

The Global Climbing Initiative’s Social Impact Grants empower climbing communities worldwide to drive meaningful change through innovative and inclusive initiatives.

As climbing grows globally, so do opportunities to strengthen communities and break down barriers to access and representation. These grants support local climbers—those most connected to their communities’ needs—in leading projects that foster equity, connection, and resilience. By providing resources to amplify underrepresented voices and build more inclusive climbing cultures, we help transform visionary ideas into lasting impact.

What is social impact?

We define social impact as the positive changes resulting from community-centered initiatives that uplift those of marginalized identities and counterbalance harmful patterns of patriarchy, racism, colonialism, sexism, ableism, ageism, and other forms of prejudice and oppression. Social impact initiatives elevate local communities, combat inequity, and empower those often excluded from privilege, benefits, and decision making. We support social impact initiatives in the climbing world because we believe that climbing is a microcosm of the greater world, and that through this sport, climbers can change all of society for the better.

What this grant supports

We are looking to fund direct impact projects with clear and measurable outcomes to support the growth of inclusive climbing communities. Project examples include:

• Capacity-building trainings on topics such as guiding, safety, first aid, and crag development, focused on expanding opportunities for underrepresented climbers

• Access to gyms and outdoor climbing for underrepresented climbers

• Climbing festivals and other events centered on underrepresented climbers

Eligibility criteria

Proposals must be related to climbing (outdoor or indoor), led by a climbing organization (with a mission centered on climbing, programming centered on climbing, and evidence of existence and climbing-related impact), located 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. Fall 2025 and then Spring 2026). 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 April and September 2026

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 

• Projects without a significant relationship to climbing

• Projects not centered on social 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

Our Spring 2026 grants application cycle will open in January.

Please send any questions to grants@globalclimbing.org.