Climbing Goals: $70,000 Grant Opens for Non-Sponsored Climbers Only

The Live Your Dreams Grant encourages climbers of all ages, experience levels, and disciplines to think big and perform the climb of their dreams.

In 2017, Ben Peters spent one month in the Tesermiut Fjord establishing first ascents on stunning Greenland big walls. But his trip wasn’t fueled by climbing sponsors, and Peters is no pro. He made the trip thanks to the annual American Alpine Club grant.

Now open for its sixth-consecutive year, the AAC offers the Live Your Dreams Grant. Partnering with The North Face, the AAC will award $70,000 in funding, ranging from $200 to $1,000 per applicant.

Live Your Dreams Grant: Apply Now

The AAC created the grant to promote inclusivity within climbing. According to the application page, “the purpose of this grant is to support and promote unforgettable experiences for those who love climbing.”

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While professionals may climb the world’s hardest routes, this grant aims to illuminate personal growth.

Grant applicants must demonstrate a progression in skills and outline an obtainable yet personally difficult goal.

“The objective should be at the edge of your physical and technical ability level,” reads the grant criteria.

Grantees must complete their objective within one year of the award date, and only individuals are eligible. The AAC considers all disciplines of climbing, be it ski mountaineering, peak bagging, bouldering, or big wall.

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Previous winning objectives include exceptional tales of adversity and inspiration. One grant recipient climbed Alaskan ice classics with little ice climbing experience. The grant allowed him to take a two-week skills trip in Ouray, Colo., to train for his Alaska trip.

Another traveled to Smith Rock, Ore., to send the route “Spank the Monkey,” a 5.12d climb. Check out video of his experience below.

Who doesn’t like a bit of adventure, not to mention some dough to help? The application opened this month and closes March 31. It costs $5 for AAC members and $20 for non-members, and the winners will be announced in May.