Mountaineering Fellowship Fund Grant

The Mountaineering Fellowship Fund Grant, established in 1966, supports American climbers aged 25 and younger to explore challenging and remote climbs. Grants typically range from $300 to $800, assisting with travel and gear expenses. Recipients are expected to uphold environmental ethics, report back on their expeditions, and represent the American Alpine Club within the climbing community. This grant aims to foster a spirit of adventure and community among young climbers while promoting responsible mountaineering.

Started in 1966, Mountaineering Fellowship Grants have long encouraged American climbers age 25 years and younger to go into remote areas and seek out climbs more difficult than they might ordinarily be able to do. Unexplored mountain ranges, unclimbed peaks, and difficult new routes are looked upon with favor.
Grants vary by project, but typically range between $300 and $800 and help to cover travel, gear, or other expenses that you need to achieve your objective.
Expectations of grant recipients include:
Grant Recipients will act as American Alpine Club ambassadors to the domestic and international climbing communities and are expected to champion the mission, values, and support of the Club. Recipients should do their best to practice environmentally low impact and leave no trace ethics, acting as strong mountain stewards. Within two months of returning, all grant recipients must submit to the AAC a written expedition report (including photos) for possible inclusion in AAC publications and/or posting on the AAC website. Failure to submit expedition report will result in applicant being ineligible for future AAC grants.Grant Recipients may be called upon to give a presentation of the expedition at a national or local AAC sponsored event or other public engagement. It is expected that recipients participate in these callings and mention the support of the AAC when speaking about the expedition. If, after a grant is awarded, additional funding is obtained and the grant funds are no longer needed, or if an expedition is “over funded,” the recipient is asked to return all surplus funds to the AAC. Also, if after the grant is awarded a corporate sponsorship is awarded to the expedition, all funds from the AAC must be returned.

Eligibility

Only U.S. citizens 25 years of age or younger may apply. Applicant should be no older than 25 at the time of the application deadline.The review committee encourages applications from teams emphasizing the fellowship component of their objective.Grants are awarded based on the proposed project’s excellence and evidence of appropriate mountaineering experience.Membership in The American Alpine Club is required.  Members of a single expedition may apply individually. Proposals are accepted for expeditions occurring within one calendar year of the award date.
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.

Ineligibility

Grants are not available for the purpose of climbing instruction.Organized groups/expeditions are ineligible.Funding shall not be released to recipients until necessary permits and/or visas have been obtained.