MOUNTAINEERING FELLOWSHIP FUND GRANT
Since 1966, Mountaineering Fellowship Fund Grants have encouraged American climbers under 26 to explore remote areas and seek out climbs more difficult than they might ordinarily pursue. Unexplored mountain ranges, unclimbed peaks, bold big-wall climbs, challenging boulders, and new routes are looked upon with favor.
In 2026, the Mountaineering Fellowship Fund will continue to support ambitious climbing goals through two grant categories: MFFG Alpine and MFFG Rock. MFFG Alpine will continue the grant’s tradition of supporting ambitious mountaineering projects. MFFG Rock will expand the grant’s support to include additional climbing disciplines, considering proposals for big-wall climbs, hard new boulders, and projecting of single pitch sport and trad climbs that push awardees’ skills to new heights.
The Mountaineering Fellowship Fund Grant is supported by Feathered Friends.
Applications are now open and will be accepted through January 31, 2027.
AWARDS
Grants vary by project, but will range between $3,000 and $7,000 and help to cover travel, gear, or other expenses that you need to achieve your objective.
APPLICATION PERIOD
The application period for the Mountaineering Fellowship Grant is from November 2, 2026 through January 31, 2027. 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
Only U.S. citizens 25 years of age or younger may apply. Applicants should be no older than 25 at the time of the application deadline.
The review committee encourages applications from teams emphasizing the fellowship component of their objective.
Grants are awarded based on the proposed project’s excellence and evidence of appropriate mountaineering, bouldering, or other relevant climbing experience.
Proposed projects should demonstrate technical skill and applicant’s progression within their discipline.
Membership in The American Alpine Club is required.
One member per expedition team should apply. Guided groups/expeditions are ineligible.
Grants are not available for the purpose of climbing instruction.
RECIPIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Expectations of grant recipients include:
Grant Recipients will act as American Alpine Club ambassadors to the domestic and international climbing communities and are expected to champion the mission, values, and support of the Club.
Recipients should practice environmentally low impact and leave no trace ethics, acting as strong mountain stewards.
Within two months of returning, all grant recipients must submit to the AAC an expedition report (including photos and/or video) for possible inclusion in AAC publications and/or posting on the AAC website. Failure to submit an expedition report may result in the applicant being ineligible for future AAC grants.
Grant Recipients may be called upon to give a presentation of the expedition at a national or local AAC sponsored event or other public engagement. It is expected that recipients participate in requested events and mention the support of the AAC when speaking about the expedition.
If, after a grant is awarded, additional funding is obtained and the grant funds are no longer needed, or if an expedition is “over funded,” the recipient is asked to return all surplus funds to the AAC. Also, if after the grant is awarded a corporat
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Interested recipients may be provided with media mentorship and production assistance to document their stories in an elevated way in all three phases of the production process: pre-production, field production, and post. The AAC may also offer on-site production assistance during the expedition or trip preparation.
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 and Community Support. If requested, all awarded funds must be returned to the AAC in full.
Projects tied to political causes will not be accepted.
Supported by:
Explore Stories from Past Recipients
