Cutting Edge Grant
The American Alpine Club has inspired and supported cutting-edge climbing achievements for more than 100 years. From funding the first ascent of Mt. Logan in 1925 and the exploration of the Karakoram in 1938, to the 2006 first ascent of Nanga Parbat’s Rupal Face, and the countless expeditions in between, the AAC encourages climbers to push their limits.
The Cutting Edge Grant continues this tradition, funding advanced athletes in pursuit of world-class climbing and mountaineering objectives.
Starting in 2026, the AAC is broadening our definition of Cutting Edge to support the range of disciplines that make up the climbing community. This year, Cutting Edge will include two separate categories: Rock and Alpine. Cutting Edge Alpine will continue to support mountaineering expeditions that put up first-ascents and new lines in remote mountain ranges. Cutting Edge Rock will broaden the grant’s support to include history-making big-wall climbs, new boulders, and single pitch sport and trad climbs of local or international significance. All applications will be judged on the exploratory nature and adventurousness of the proposed project.
Through this grant, AAC advances climbing exploration and public education by supporting significant climbing objectives and sharing the resulting knowledge, experiences, and lessons with the broader climbing community.
Applications are now open and will be accepted through January 31, 2027.
AWARDS
Cutting Edge Grant awards significantly contribute towards total expedition costs. Awards typically fall in the $4,000 to $10,000 range, however award amounts will vary based on project and budget.
APPLICATION PERIOD
The application period for the Cutting Edge Grant is from November 2 through January 31. Applications must be submitted via the online application portal no later than 11:59 p.m. MST on January 31.
Recipients are notified after the selection committee has made their final award choices in February.
CRITERIA / GUIDELINES
Proposals will be evaluated upon:
Goal. The Cutting Edge Grant funds individuals planning expeditions to remote areas featuring unexplored mountain ranges, unclimbed peaks, difficult new routes, first free ascents, or similar world-class pursuits. This year, Cutting Edge will also support challenging new big-wall climbs, boulders, and single pitch sport and trad routes of local or international significance. Objectives featuring a low-impact style and leave-no-trace mentality will be looked upon with favor
Experience. Applicants should possess a strong resume of past climbing achievements and/or experiences that illustrate a reasonable potential for success. She or he must demonstrate that they are an advanced and capable climber. Experience must be in keeping with the difficulty of the stated objective.
Eligibility. Individuals who are U.S. citizens and members of the American Alpine Club are eligible to apply. The Cutting Edge Grant is open to all climbers, including those receiving financial support or in-kind support from corporate sponsors, however the level of sponsorship must be disclosed. Other team members need not be U.S. citizens.
Teams will be funded through one application. Only one member of the team should apply.
The AAC encourages all capable athletes seeking worthy objectives to apply. If you have a question or a doubt regarding your project goal, experience level, or eligibility, please reach out to the AAC Director of Grants.
RECIPIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Expectations of grant recipients include:
1. Content Deliverable Plan. The highest standard of deliverables, including trip reports, articles, media, and outreach are expected from Cutting Edge Grant recipients. The AAC Grants Manager and American Alpine Journal editorial staff will work directly with recipients to develop a plan for appropriately documenting the expedition, developing timelines for submission, and creating appropriate engagement expectations. This plan will be developed and agreed upon by both parties prior to the expedition date.
Examples of recipient deliverables may include:
Trip Report: In general, trip reports should incorporate a written component, ideally 500-1,500 words, giving a general summary of the trip, including planning, approach, camps, climbs attempted, climbs completed, and any logistical information helpful to future parties. Appropriate imagery that aids to illustrate these components should also be included. [Due within 60-90 days of trip completion]
Photography/Videography: High-quality photography and/or videography illustrating the visual aspects and experiences of the expedition, including imagery that exemplifies the AAC brand and incorporates the AAC logo, will be expected.
American Alpine Journal: It is expected that recipients, if asked, submit a unique, fresh story for publication in the AAJ or AAJ Online, with previously unpublished photos, if possible. [Due within 60-90 days of trip completion]
Presentations/Slideshows: Recipients may be called upon to give a presentation of the expedition at a national or local AAC event or other public engagement. It is expected that recipients mention the support of the AAC and include the AAC logo when speaking about the expedition.
Marketing: Recipients may be asked to participate in AAC-driven marketing campaigns promoting the Cutting Edge Grant or other AAC programs. Campaigns could include social media posts, Instagram takeovers, print collateral, or email promotions.
Volunteerism: Recipients may be asked to participate in AAC-led volunteer commitments such as sitting on a grant selection committee or involvement in conservation, stewardship, or advocacy initiatives.
2. Trip Commitment. Recipients should demonstrate a commitment to their objective by expressing a detailed understanding of the proposed expedition’s objective, timeline, budget, and logistics, including what permits and/or visas may be required.
3. Club Representation. Recipients will act as American Alpine Club ambassadors to the international climbing community and are expected to champion the mission, values, and support of the Club both domestically and abroad. Recipients should do their best to practice environmentally low impact and leave no trace ethics, acting as strong mountain stewards. Recipients are expected to obey the rules and regulations of the host country in which they are climbing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Proposals are accepted for expeditions occurring within one calendar year of the award date.
Funding shall not be released to recipients until necessary permits and/or visas have been obtained.
If for any reason the project is canceled or significantly altered, recipients must contact the AAC Director of Grants. If requested, all awarded funds must be returned to the AAC in full.
Explore Stories from Past Recipients
