McNeill-Nott Award
McNeill-Nott Award supports amateur female climbers pursuing new routes or unclimbed peaks with small, lightweight teams to advance adventurous exploration and low-impact mountaineering.
This grant was recently updated
Applications shift from October 3–December 31 to November 2, 2026–January 31, 2027, with an 11:59 p.m. MST deadline; awards increase from $700–$4,000 to $5,000–$7,500. Selection moves from January to February; optional media-production support was added, and the contact for project changes was updated.
Funder: American Alpine Club
Due Dates: November 2, 2026 (Applications open) | December 31, 2026 (Annual submission deadline) | January 31, 2027 (2026/2027 cycle deadline, 11:59 p.m. MST)
Funding Amounts: Two or three grants annually, each between $5,000 and $7,500
Summary: Supports amateur female climbers exploring new routes or unclimbed peaks with small, lightweight teams.
Key Information: Applicants must be AAC members, U.S. citizens, and at least 18, applying for female-led teams.
Description
The McNeill-Nott Award supports exploratory mountaineering by amateur female climbers pursuing new routes or unclimbed peaks with small, lightweight teams. The American Alpine Club (AAC) established the award with Mountain Hardwear in memory of Sue Nott and Karen McNeill, who died on Mt. Foraker in 2006. It honors their adventurous spirit while supporting and celebrating female climbers and alpinists.
Strong exploratory and adventurous objectives take priority over technical difficulty. Projects may range from hidden Alaskan peaks to new routes in the Himalaya. The award favors ethical climbing styles that minimize fixed ropes, camps, personnel, and equipment. Environmental care, low-impact mountain stewardship, and respect for local inhabitants are central to the expeditions it supports.
