The American Alpine Club (AAC) is a national non-profit organization that has represented mountaineers and rock climbers for almost a century. Since its inception in 1902, the AAC has been the only national climbers’ organization devoted to the exploration and scientific study of high mountain elevations and polar regions of the world, and the promotion and dissemination of knowledge about the mountains and mountaineering through its meetings, publications and libraries. It is also dedicated to the conservation and preservation of mountain regions and other climbing areas and the representation of the interests and concerns of the American climbing community.

AAC Mountaineering Fellowship Grant

Subjects: Rock climbing.

Purpose: To encourage young American climbers to visit remote areas and seek out climbs more technically demanding than they would normally undertake.

Eligibility: Applicants must be 25 years of age or under, citizens of the United States of America and experienced climbers. Membership of the American Alpine Club is a prerequisite. Members of a single expedition may apply individually, but organized groups or expeditions are ineligible. Grants are not available for the purpose of climbing instruction.

Level of Study: Unrestricted

Type: Grant

Value: US$300–800

Frequency: Annual

Country of Study: United States of America

No. of awards offered: 5–16

Application Procedure: Applicants must download application forms from the website and submit them online.

Closing Date: April 1st and November 1st

Funding: Private

No. of awards given last year: 13

No. of applicants last year: 17

Additional Information: Grants will be based on the excellence of the proposed project and evidence of mountaineering experience. A report must be written upon project completion.

AAC Research Grants

Subjects: Scientific research focusing on mountain and polar areas.

Purpose: To recognize a specific contribution to scientific endeavour germane to mountain regions and alpine research projects.

Eligibility: There are no restrictions on eligibility, but grants will not be awarded for academic tuition. Applications are considered in terms of their scientific or technical quality and the purposes for which the funds and the AAC are established.

Level of Study: Postgraduate

Type: Research grant

Value: US$200–1,000

Frequency: Annual

Country of Study: Any country

No. of awards offered: Varies

Application Procedure: Applicants must call or write for application forms, which are also available from the website.

Closing Date: March 1st

Funding: Private

Contributor: The Arthur K. Gilkey Memorial Research Fund, the R.L.Putnam Research Fund, and the Bedayn Research Fund

Additional Information: A report must be submitted upon completion of the project.