Catalyst Grant
Forecasted
Catalyst Grant supports climbers from historically underrepresented communities, funding expeditions and program creation projects to reduce access barriers and broaden participation in climbing.
Funder: American Alpine Club
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $250–$1,000 for individuals; $250–$750 per team member, up to $2,000 per team
Summary: Supports climbing expeditions and program creation projects that reduce access barriers for historically underrepresented communities with demonstrated need.
Key Information: Applicants must be AAC members and U.S. citizens or green card holders who identify with an underrepresented climbing community.
Description
The Catalyst Grant is administered by the American Alpine Club (AAC), with support from The North Face and adidas Five Ten. It supports individuals and small teams who face barriers to climbing resources, focusing on historically underrepresented communities with demonstrated need. The program seeks to close opportunity gaps, broaden perspectives, strengthen relationships, and make climbing accessible to more people.
Funding supports individual and team expeditions as well as program creation projects. All climbing disciplines are welcome, including bouldering, sport climbing, traditional climbing, alpine climbing, mountain running, ski mountaineering, peak bagging, and other climbing endeavors. Expedition objectives must demonstrate progression in skills and experience through a specific, attainable goal. The two project categories are judged separately, and applications demonstrating community engagement receive greater weight.
