We love climbing, that’s obvious. When something brings so much joy and color to life, it’s natural to want to ensure it’s available to everyone who wishes to experience the same joy.
The American Alpine Club (AAC) is committed to helping the climbing community become accessible to everyone. The Catalyst Grant funds historically underrepresented communities, specifically those with demonstrated need. The grant is also for those seeking to close opportunity gaps.
Thanks to the support of partners like The North Face and adidas Five Ten, the Catalyst Grant awards between $250 - $1,000 to individuals and a maximum of $2,000 to teams who face barriers in accessing the climbing community and identify with an underrepresented group.
This grant supports all climbing disciplines including bouldering, sport climbing, trad, alpine, mountain running, ski mountaineering, peak bagging, or any other climbing endeavor.
By celebrating our differences while exploring our common interests, we broaden our perspectives, strengthen our relationships, and grow the entire climbing community.
AWARDS
Award amounts will be determined by the selection committee. The maximum amount awarded to an individual is $1,000. Teams will be awarded between $250 and $750 per person.
APPLICATION PERIOD
The application period opens March 1. Applications must be submitted via the online application no later than 11:59 p.m. MDT on April 30th.
Recipients are notified after the selection committee has made their final award choices by mid-July.
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Individuals and teams (2 - 4 people) of all ages, all experience levels, and all climbing disciplines who face barriers to accessing climbing resources and identify as a member of an underrepresented group within the climbing community, including those identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQ2S+, and/or adaptive.
Teams will apply on one application.
The climb/expedition must demonstrate a progression in skills and experience and outline a specific attainable goal.
Objective must be in the U.S. (includes Alaska and Hawaii).
Travel to (or through) any park/land must be allowed or authorized by the land manager, and not be in conflict with the Native Americans who previously and/or currently lived on that land.
Applicant(s) must be U.S. citizens or green card holders to apply.
Trips must occur between June 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
Two categories will be recognized, with different criteria for each. Individual/team expeditions and program creation projects will be judged separately, and applications that demonstrate community engagement shall be weighted more heavily.
Applicants must be AAC members to apply for the grant. Click here to become a member.
Objectives involving climbers who are supported financially by corporate sponsors will not be considered. However, proposals from “amateur” climbers who have received in-kind corporate support (e.g., gear) will be considered, but support levels must be disclosed.
Projects must have the endorsement of the land manager or conservation professional, and not be in conflict with the Native Americans who previously and/or currently lived on that land.
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Within two months of returning, all grant recipients are required to submit a Trip Report to the AAC. Failure to submit a report will result in the applicant being ineligible for future AAC grants.
If for any reason the project is canceled or significantly changed, awarded funds must be returned to the AAC in full.
Funds must be used within one year of the grant award date.
Recipients agree to mention the Catalyst Grant as well as their support from the AAC if speaking about the grant publicly.
Recipients will act as American Alpine Club Ambassadors to the wider climbing community and are expected to champion the mission and values of the Club both domestically and abroad.
The AAC and its members are environmentally conscious, stewards of the planet and protectors of our climbing landscapes. Recipients should do their best to practice environmentally low impact and leave no trace ethics.
