The AAC has a storied legacy of funding climbing, conservation, and research projects in support of our mission. Through the years, AAC grants have been responsible for encouraging thousands of climbers to dream big and push their limits; for pioneering hundreds of cutting-edge new routes of remote and major peaks around the world; for improving infrastructure at climbing areas across the country; and funding scientific research expeditions that have contributed valuable information to our understanding of the worlds mountain ecosystems.
Today, with more than $150,000 in annual grant awards, the Club continues to support these endeavors and is proud to stand behind the individuals and their projects which seek the betterment of the climbing community and climbing landscapes.
This financial needs-based grant offers financial support for individuals pursuing therapeutic services based on being directly impacted by grief, loss, and/or trauma related to climbing, ski mountaineering or alpinism. The grant award is up to $600 and is intended to be used toward individual therapy or a professional program that engages a grief or trauma framework.
Grant applications will be reviewed for the following criteria:
- Applicant is experiencing distress due to grief or trauma related to climbing, ski mountaineering, or alpinism;
- Application contains an expressed plan to work with a specific professional or organization;
- Applicant states financial need
- Applicant has not previously received a Climbing Grief Fund grant.
- Applicants who have not been able to access prior therapy or treatment shall be prioritized
You may apply for this grant at any time. Please fill out our application and use our mental health directory to find a therapist or program of your choosing. Providers in the directory have agreed to provide 4-6 appointments for the $600 award amount, though there may be some variability depending on the specific services provided. You may select a therapist or program that is not listed in our directory.
Please note that applications will only be considered when applicants have identified and contacted their chosen therapist or program organizer. Providers are often willing to work with individuals who have limited funds. We recommend discussing rates and availability with your provider ahead of time.
Please reach out to us at grieffund@americanalpineclub.org if there are questions concerning the application process (such as selecting a therapist or program).
All Grant applications will remain confidential. We will notify you of approval within 2 weeks of submission. If awarded, the recipient will be sent a check to the address associated with their application. AAC does not pay the therapy service provider. Instead, the recipient will pay the service provider once they receive the grant money.
Together we are building a community that gets support and gives support.