Catalyst Grant
Forecasted
Catalyst Grant supports individuals and teams from underrepresented climbing communities, funding expeditions and program creation to reduce access barriers and strengthen community connections.
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; funds used within one year
Summary: Supports climbing expeditions and program creation that address 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 American Alpine Club’s Catalyst Grant, supported by The North Face, funds individuals and teams facing barriers to participation in climbing. It aims to close opportunity gaps, expand access for historically underrepresented communities with demonstrated need, and strengthen relationships across the climbing community. Applicants of all ages and experience levels may pursue objectives that build their skills and experience toward a specific, attainable goal.
Supported pursuits include bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, alpine climbing, mountain running, ski mountaineering, peak bagging, and other climbing endeavors. The program considers individual or team expeditions separately from program creation projects. Applications demonstrating community engagement receive greater weight, reflecting the grant’s emphasis on growing a more accessible climbing community through shared interests and the celebration of differences.
