As climbing continues to grow as a global sport, it brings unique opportunities for economic empowerment in regions where climbing serves as a focal point for tourism and community development. Local climbing organizations are well-positioned to harness these opportunities to create lasting economic impact, and the Economic Development Grants aim to help bring these visions to life.

Funding Information

• Requests of or under $2,000 USD.

Eligible Projects

• They are looking to fund direct impact projects with clear and measurable outcomes that foster sustainable economic growth in climbing communities. Project examples include:
  • Developing new or existing crags strategically positioned to catalyze climbing tourism
  • Training programs for local guides, instructors, business owners, or crag developers who will support the growth of climbing economy and tourism
  • Building affordable and community-owned climbing campgrounds or accommodations to support tourism and create a revenue stream for future projects
  • Projects that incorporate local cultural heritage, such as traditional crafts or storytelling, into the climbing experience to enrich visitor engagement and boost local artisans
  • Establishing climbing-related food or hospitality businesses, such as cafes, small restaurants, or snack stands near climbing areas that cater to climbers’ needs while promoting local cuisine and employment

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.
• 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). 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.

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/economic-development-grants