McNeill-Nott Award
Forecasted
McNeill-Nott Award supports amateur female and female-identifying climbers pursuing new routes or unclimbed peaks with small, lightweight teams to advance adventurous, ethical mountaineering exploration.
Funder: American Alpine Club
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $700–$4,000 per grant; two or three grants annually
Summary: Supports amateur female and female-identifying climbers exploring new routes or unclimbed peaks with small, lightweight teams.
Key Information: Applicants must be active AAC members, U.S. citizens, and at least 18, leading female-led teams.
Description
The American Alpine Club (AAC), in partnership with Mountain Hardwear, established the McNeill-Nott Award in memory of Sue Nott and Karen McNeill, who died on Mt. Foraker in 2006. The award preserves their adventurous spirit by supporting amateur female climbers pursuing new routes or unclimbed peaks with small, lightweight teams.
The program prioritizes strong exploratory and adventuresome mountaineering objectives over technical difficulty alone. Projects can range from exploring lesser-known Alaskan peaks to attempting new routes in the Himalaya. Judges consider the objective’s compelling nature, remoteness, exploratory character, and overall significance, alongside the team’s experience and climbing style. High ethical standards, minimal equipment and fixed infrastructure, environmental care, and respect for local inhabitants are central to the award’s approach.
