The mission of the American Alpine Club (AAC) is to support scientific research in mountain and crag environments worldwide, contributing to our understanding of these ecosystems and landscapes integral to the climbing experience. Their goal includes improving the management of climbing environments and ensuring the climbing community's health and sustainability.
The AAC Cornerstone Conservation Grant, initiated in 2011 with support from REI, aims to support projects dedicated to the improvement, conservation, and protection of local climbing resources nationwide. The grant program has allocated nearly $205,000 to a diverse group of recipients, including local climbing organizations, land managers and agencies, nonprofits, and individuals. Funded projects encompass building or enhancing trail networks to climbing areas, establishing new toilet facilities and signage at trailheads, and organizing community groups for clean-up and graffiti removal at local crags. This grant is committed to supporting local climbing communities in conservation and restoration efforts, especially as the climbing and outdoor recreation spotlights environmental stress and degradation. The objective is to foster healthy climbing landscapes, promote respect for climbing areas, and empower local climbing communities to take action in conservation, restoration, and educational initiatives. Grants awarded range from $1,000 to $8,000 based on the project's size and scope.