Deadline: 01-Aug-2025
Submissions are now open for the Global Climbing Initiative’s Environmental Grants, which support local climbing communities in their efforts to protect and sustain crag environments around the world. As the sport of climbing continues to grow, there is an urgent need to preserve natural climbing areas, and this grant aims to empower grassroots stewardship at the community level.
Funding requests can be made for up to $1,000 USD. Grants are intended for direct impact projects with clear and measurable goals that contribute to the long-term sustainability of outdoor climbing areas. Examples of eligible projects include trail maintenance, erosion control, belay platforms, educational signage, waste and sanitation improvements, parking area upgrades, and environmental stewardship trainings.
Projects must be led by local climbers and have a strong connection to outdoor or indoor climbing. They must also be focused on environmental impact and align with GCI’s core values. Projects within the continental U.S. are ineligible unless led by an Indigenous community.
Proposals that do not have a defined plan, are not environmentally focused, or involve general operating expenses, research, social media campaigns, or political advocacy will not be considered. Additionally, GCI will not fund the same organization in back-to-back grant cycles.
To apply, the project must be spearheaded by a climbing organization outside the continental United States or by an Indigenous-led group within it. Applicants must be part of the local climbing community. Grant recipients are required to sign an ethics code of conduct and memorandum of understanding, attend a kickoff meeting with GCI, and acknowledge GCI support in any related media or events.
Within 60 days of completing the project, recipients must submit a photo report, impact data, a brief summary, a completed survey, and collaborate with GCI to produce a social media post highlighting the project’s success.
For more information, visit GCI.