Cutting Edge Grant recipient Jess Roskelley climbing Changi Tower II. Image by Kurt Ross.
The American Alpine Club (AAC) is now accepting applications for its Fall 2026 Grants cycle, offering four distinct opportunities to help climbers push the limits of their personal climbing, contribute to the cutting edge of the sport, or pair humanitarian efforts with their next objective.
This year, the AAC is expanding grant support by raising minimum award amounts, nearly doubling its financial commitment to grantees, and opening two formerly alpine-centered grants to climbers of all kinds: big-wall, sport, trad, and bouldering objectives welcome.
Applications are open to American Alpine Club members through January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. The four Fall Grants include:
Cutting Edge Grant
The Cutting Edge Grant supports seasoned climbers undertaking high-level objectives in remote areas, including unclimbed peaks, difficult new routes, FFAs, and similar objectives. New this year, the Cutting Edge Grant expands into both rock and alpine categories, funding ambitious expeditions whether they’re on mixed terrain, big walls, or bouldering objectives.
McNeill-Nott Award
The McNeill-Nott Award supports small, lightweight teams of amateur female climbers exploring new routes or unclimbed peaks. This award prioritizes projects with strong exploratory and adventuresome mountaineering objectives over general technical rating.
Mountaineering Fellowship Fund Grant
The Mountaineering Fellowship Fund Grant helps young climbers and alpinists take the next step in their careers, especially going into remote areas or seeking out climbs more difficult than they might ordinarily be able to do. New this year, the Mountaineering Fellowship Fund expands into both rock and alpine categories. This grant is supported by Feathered Friends.
Zack Martin Breaking Barriers Grant
The Zack Martin Breaking Barriers Grant funds expeditions that focus, primarily, on humanitarian efforts and, secondarily, on an objective involving alpinism, mountaineering, climbing, or bouldering.
AAC membership is required to apply. In addition to grant opportunities, membership connects climbers with resources including rescue benefits, gear discounts, and world-renowned publications.
Explore all Fall Grants and submit an application by January 31, 2027.