In their sport’s current phase of rapid growth, the global climbing community has an opportunity to support the sustainability of climbing areas through all stages of development. With an increased number of climbers comes heightened need for projects to ensure crag environments are preserved and protected into the future. They are proud to partner directly with local climbing organizations and promote responsible grassroots stewardship of their crags and wilderness.

Funding Information

• Requests of or under $1,000 USD.

Eligible Projects

• They are looking to fund direct impact projects with clear and measurable outcomes to improve the long-term sustainability of crag environments. Project examples include:
  • Trail stewardship and erosion mitigation projects
  • Belay platforms
  • Signage
  • Trash/waste mitigation and sanitation projects
  • Parking area projects
  • Stewardship and Leave No Trace trainings

Ineligible Projects

• 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 environmental 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

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals must be related to climbing (outdoor or indoor), led by a climbing organization 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.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Please note that they will not award grants to the same organization in the same category in back-to-back cycles (e.g. Spring 2025 and then Fall 2025).

Application 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 photo
    • Reporting on impact metrics
    • Writing a brief project summary
    • Completing a survey
    • Collaborating with their team to produce a social media post

For more information, visit GCI.

https://globalclimbing.org/environmental-grants