January 5, 2026 — Boulder, CO — The Global Climbing Initiative (GCI) has opened applications for its Spring 2026 Community Grants cycle, supporting locally led climbing organizations working in under-resourced contexts around the world. These grants fund climbing-related projects created by local climbers, shaped by the priorities, needs, and long-term visions of the communities they serve.
GCI’s Community Grants support initiatives that advance environmental stewardship, build leadership and access for underrepresented climbers, and expand local economic benefits from climbing. The Spring 2026 cycle will award grants across three categories: Environmental, Social Impact, and Economic Development. The Social Impact Grants are generously sponsored by Osprey Packs.
“We are continually inspired by the creativity and leadership that climbing communities bring to their work,” said Veronica Baker Amores, Executive Director of the Global Climbing Initiative. “This grant cycle is an opportunity to support innovative, community-defined projects around the world and to learn from the positive impacts they create within their own contexts.”
Eligibility Requirements
Projects must take place between April and September 2026 and meet the following criteria:
● Related to climbing, either indoor or outdoor
● Led by a local climbing organization with demonstrated climbing-related impact
● Proposed by a local leader of that climbing organization
● Located outside of the continental United States, or led by an Indigenous community within the United States
Community groups, nonprofits, gyms, guiding companies, and all other local climbing organizations are welcome to apply.
Application process
GCI is accepting Initial Applications through January 28. Select applicants will be invited to submit a Project Proposal, due February 25.
The application, a Guide to Applying, and details on each grant category are available at globalclimbing.org/community-grants
About The Global Climbing Initiative
The Global Climbing Initiative (GCI) equips climbing communities worldwide with the knowledge and resources to thrive. GCI supports locally led organizations in under-resourced and historically underrepresented contexts through grant funding, gear access, and education. By walking alongside local community leaders, GCI helps strengthen long-term capacity, safety, and opportunity in the global climbing community.
Learn more at globalclimbing.org
For inquiries, email info@globalclimbing.org
CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.
