Gear Distribution Application

Through our Gear Distribution Program, we partner with locally-led climbing organizations to support their work through access to equipment.

We prioritize organizations with limited access to climbing gear due to geographic and financial barriers, and those using climbing to create positive change in their communities.

To learn more, visit globalclimbing.org/gear-distribution-program

For frequently asked questions, visit globalclimbing.org/gear-distribution-faqs

This application will ask about your climbing organization's mission, programs, team, impacts, gear needs, and ability to find a volunteer to transport the gear. Gear availability is limited (we cannot award all applications we receive), and our inventory varies each cycle.

If you have any questions, please send them (in any language) to gear@globalclimbing.org

Applications are due April 29, 2026. No matter where you are located, you may submit up until 11:59pm UTC-12 (the last time zone in the world where it is still April 29). 

Notifications will be sent by May 20. Please check your spam folder if you don't see an email from us by this date.

 

To begin, click "next"

 

 

Background photo by Clive Luwanja / Climb Malawi

First, we will ask you some questions to help determine if you are eligible to apply for our grants.

We're sorry, but you do not meet one or more of our eligibility requirements:

 

Climbing organization

Due to the specific contextual safety knowledge needed to use climbing gear, we only accept gear requests from experienced climbing organizations.

 

Geography

We welcome applications for projects taking place outside of the continental United States or led by Native American/First Nations communities. This means that applicants from Hawaii, Alaska, US Territories, and all other countries are eligible to apply.

 

Local leadership

GCI partner organizations must be led by local vision in alignment with our values and theory of change. Non-locals are welcome to support the application, but should not be the primary applicant.

 

For more information, visit globalclimbing.org/gear-distribution-program

 

You may close this window. Clicking "next" will route you back to the beginning of the eligibility questions.

According to your answers, you are eligible to apply.

Please continue the application by clicking the "next" button.

We do not have enough resources to award gear to every applicant. Successful gear requests will be selected by our team with regards to the following:

 

• Alignment with GCI’s values and theory of change
• Support for climbing organizations facing geographic or systemic barriers to accessing resources
• Leadership by and support for people underrepresented in the climbing industry
• A collaborative team working toward shared goals (not a single individual)
• A mission that uses climbing to create positive economic, social, or environmental change
• Evidence of your climbing organization's past initiatives and impact
• A clear explanation of how the requested gear will create tangible impact

Please complete this application in the language most comfortable to you. We will translate responses as needed and follow up with any questions. We do not evaluate applicants on spelling or grammar, and all applications will be reviewed equally regardless of the language they are submitted in.

Because of the challenges associated with international shipping and customs, we rely upon volunteers to transport gear donations. We are able to offer a limited number of reimbursements for additional luggage expenses if necessary.

Before applying, please begin reaching out within your network to identify anyone traveling internationally who may be able to transport gear. You’ll be asked about this in the application.

It is very important that we hear your words through your own perspectives and voice. As a result, we are unable to accept responses written by ChatGPT or other forms of artificial intelligence.

If writing in English feels difficult, we strongly encourage you to submit your application in your native language, and we will translate it.

Please include at least one link (website and/or social media). This helps us understand your organization and its work. Applications without any links will not be considered.

Please only complete the sections for the types of gear you are requesting. If you are not requesting all types of gear listed, you can leave sections blank.

At this time, we do not have kids gear available in our inventory.

This year, Rocky Talkie and Petzl have generously donated Mountain Radios, GriGris, and headlamps in support of local climbing organizations around the world. These are limited quantity items.

Because of the challenges associated with international shipping and customs, we rely upon volunteers to transport gear donations. We are able to offer a limited number of reimbursements for additional luggage expenses if necessary.

If selected as a GCI gear partner, your organization agrees to:

 

• Support volunteer outreach, logistical coordination, and communication regarding the transportation of gear
• Provide quality photos of the gear in use and give permission for GCI and industry partners to share these (with credit)
• Follow safe gear practices, sign a liability waiver, and regularly assess and retire gear when appropriate
• Sign and uphold a code of conduct aligned with do-no-harm principles
• Share quotes and basic impact metrics
• Recognize GCI as a supporter in events, media, or social media related to the use of the gear

To submit your answers, please click the green "submit" button. Please note that answers cannot be revised after submission.