Photo by Yana Climb

Overview 

GCI's Creative Impact Grants inspire climbing communities worldwide to share their narratives through innovative projects in the arts.

Within our global community we recognize the power of storytelling in order to highlight powerful stories, uplift economies, and provide pathways of support to local artists. GCI’s Creative Grant aims to facilitate sustainable community development by supporting and spotlighting creative initiatives that amplify diverse voices in climbing.

We believe in the transformative potential of storytelling to bring about positive change, and to empower local groups to bring attention to the unique challenges and opportunities within their communities. We acknowledge that each community has its own distinct stories, struggles, and triumphs. Therefore, we are committed to working closely with grant recipients to ensure that the awarded funds contribute to addressing the specific needs of their community.

What this grant supports

We are looking to fund direct impact projects that seek to highlight the voices and visions of local, underrepresented climbing communities.

Project examples include:

  • Short films

  • Climbing photography 

  • Literary projects 

  • Creative clinics, such as climbing photography clinics 

  • Festivals centered around climbing and storytelling  

Proposed projects must meet the following requirements: 

  • Requests of or under $1000 USD

  • Led by a local climbing organization

  • Implemented between April and September 2024

  • Clear scopes of work

  • Quantifiable impacts on the selected community 

  • Detailed timeline and budget information

  • Activities that are sustainable beyond the grant term

We will be prioritizing funding for climbing communities that do not currently have avenues of financial support for projects like these.  We are also specifically interested in supporting projects led by individuals who are currently underrepresented in the climbing industry, including climbers who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.

What we can't fund for this grant

  • Projects that take place inside the continental United States

  • Projects not led by local climbers or artists 

  • Projects without a significant relationship to climbing

  • Projects not centered on creative works 

  • Projects that are not aligned with the values of GCI or our partner organizations. Please see our mission statement here. 

  • Research, white papers, academic projects, or conferences

  • Social media or public awareness campaigns

  • Political campaigns or advocacy 

  • Land endowment, acquisitions, or easements 

  • Salaries, stipends, or general operating costs 

Our next round of applications will open August 1 for projects between October 2024 and March 2025.

Please send any questions to grants@globalclimbing.org.