Deadline: 01-Aug-2025
The Global Climbing Initiative is inviting proposals for its Economic Development Grants Program to support climbing communities around the world in building sustainable economic opportunities that benefit both climbers and their local populations.
As climbing gains popularity globally, it opens doors for economic growth in areas where the sport attracts tourism and fosters community development. Local climbing organizations are in a strong position to capitalize on these opportunities, and the grants are designed to help them turn their ideas into impactful, long-term projects.
Grants of up to $2,000 USD will be awarded to projects with direct, measurable outcomes that promote sustainable economic growth in climbing areas. Eligible projects might include developing new or existing climbing areas to boost tourism, offering training for local guides or business owners, building affordable and community-run accommodations, integrating cultural heritage into the climbing experience, or launching food and hospitality ventures near climbing sites.
Projects will not be considered if they take place within the continental United States (unless led by Indigenous communities), lack local climber leadership, have no clear link to climbing, or fail to center on environmental or community impact. Also ineligible are proposals lacking clear scope, research or academic work, awareness campaigns, political advocacy, land acquisitions, or funding for salaries and operations.
To be eligible, proposals must relate to outdoor or indoor climbing, be led by a climbing organization outside the U.S. (or by Indigenous groups within the U.S.), and be submitted by a local climber. Organizations may not receive back-to-back grants in the same category but can apply again in a different category or after a cycle break.
Grant recipients must sign a code of conduct and MOU, attend a kickoff meeting with GCI, and acknowledge GCI’s support in any events or media related to the project. Within 60 days of completing the project, grantees are required to submit high-quality photos, impact reports, a project summary, a survey response, and collaborate with GCI on a social media post.
For more information, visit GCI.
