Economic Development Grants

The Global Climbing Initiative’s Economic Development Grants are designed to support local climbing communities by funding initiatives that generate economic benefits linked to climbing activities. The grants prioritize sustainability, local ownership, and the enhancement of climbing-related livelihoods. With a focus on long-term stability, these grants empower local leaders to create tourism opportunities, income-generating ventures, and small businesses that reflect community priorities. The program is open to international applicants outside of the continental United States, and Indigenous communities within the U.S., provided they meet specific eligibility requirements. This grant reflects GCI’s broader commitment to equity, representation, and the promotion of climbing as a force for sustainable development. The purpose of the Economic Development Grant is to provide financial support for practical, community-led efforts that facilitate sustainable income and employment around climbing infrastructure and culture. Funded projects must demonstrate a strong connection to climbing, whether through job training, tourism services, hospitality ventures, or integration of local crafts into the climbing experience. All projects must be led by local climbing organizations with a proven track record of climbing-related impact and must be championed by a local leader from the organization. GCI supports direct-impact projects with measurable outcomes. These may include the responsible development of climbing crags to support tourism, training programs for local guides and business owners, and the creation of community-owned infrastructure like affordable campgrounds. Other supported efforts include establishing climbing-related hospitality businesses or integrating local artisan work into the climbing ecosystem. The initiative is particularly focused on ensuring that projects are shaped by local needs and driven by those directly engaged in the climbing community. The grant offers up to $2,000 USD per project, to be implemented within a six-month period. Successful proposals will include a clearly defined scope of work, a measurable economic impact, and a realistic timeline and budget. Projects must avoid general operating expenses, land acquisition, advocacy, and other activities not directly related to climbing and economic development. GCI explicitly prioritizes applications led by climbers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Applicants must complete an initial application, followed—if selected—by a full project proposal. For the Spring 2026 cycle, initial applications are accepted from January 5 to January 28. Invited project proposals are due between February 2 and February 25. Notifications of award decisions will be sent on March 18, with grant meetings occurring from March 23 to March 31. The funded projects will run from April 1 to September 30. Within 60 days after project completion, grantees are expected to provide a project summary, quantitative and qualitative impact metrics, a folder of quality photographs, testimonials, and participate in a collaborative social media post. Grantees must sign a memorandum of understanding, code of conduct, and photography agreement. They must also acknowledge GCI in public communications about the project. To maintain transparency and support accountability, the application process includes expectations for a detailed budget, engagement from the local community, and evidence of the applicant’s organizational capacity to deliver on their proposal.

Clearly define project goals, measurable impact, and demonstrate community leadership and sustainability planning.