Catalyst Grant

The Catalyst Adventure Grant, offered by the American Alpine Club, supports individuals and teams from underrepresented communities in climbing. Awards range from $250 to $2,000, aiming to overcome barriers to access. The grant promotes skill progression in various climbing disciplines, emphasizing community engagement. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or green card holders of all experience levels, with expeditions required to occur between June 15, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

CATALYST: A GRANT FOR CHANGE
When something brings so much joy and color to life, it’s natural to want to ensure it’s available to everyone who wishes to experience the same joy.
The American Alpine Club (AAC) is committed to helping the climbing community become accessible to everyone. The Catalyst Grant funds historically underrepresented communities, specifically those with demonstrated need or those that are serving to close opportunity gaps.
Thanks to the support of partners like The North Face and adidas Five Ten, the Catalyst Grant awards between $250 - $1,000 to individuals and a maximum of $2,000 to teams who face barriers in accessing the climbing community and identify with an underrepresented group.
This grant supports all climbing disciplines including bouldering, sport climbing, trad, alpine, mountain running, ski mountaineering, peak bagging, or any other climbing endeavor.

Eligibility

Individuals and teams (2 - 4 people) of all ages, all experience levels, and all climbing disciplines who face barriers to accessing climbing resources and identify as a member of an underrepresented group within the climbing community, including those identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQ2S+, and/or adaptive.Teams will apply on one application. The climb/expedition must demonstrate a progression in skills and experience and outline a specific attainable goal. Objective must be in the U.S. (includes Alaska and Hawaii).Travel to (or through) any park/land must be allowed or authorized by the land manager, and not be in conflict with the Native Americans who previously and/or currently lived on that land.Applicant(s) must be U.S. citizens or green card holders to apply. Trips must occur between June 15 2025 and June 30,2026 . Two categories will be recognized, with different criteria for each. Individual/team expeditions and program creation projects will be judged separately, and applications that demonstrate community engagement shall be weighted more heavily.
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.