Climbing Grief Fund

Climbing can be many things: joyful, satisfying, adventurous, and also risky. Unfortunately, because risk is inherent to the sport, many people in our community find themselves grappling with grief, loss, trauma, or injury when things go wrong. As AAC members, we take care of each other—and those in our community experiencing trauma shouldn’t have to deal with it alone.

The Climbing Grief Fund is dedicated to providing support to climbers and other mountain recreationists experiencing grief through our Mental Health Directory and Climbing Grief Grant.

Who is the Grief Fund for?

Grief and loss are complex, and we often have complicated feelings as we process what we’ve experienced—and as we reconsider our relationship to climbing. Grief can be very isolating, and sometimes those who might benefit most from Grief Fund resources discredit their needs because “someone else has it worse.” At the AAC, we are here to support all climbers. Whether you are a survivor or witnessed an accident, or have lost a family member or friend, are processing a debilitating injury, or are a caregiver for someone who is healing from an accident—the Grief Fund is for you, and can help ensure you have access to the mental health resources you need.

Climbing Grief Fund Impact

$21,600 +
Distributed to 36 climbers needing mental health support for grief and loss in 2025. 

Support CGF—Get Your Donation Matched

Valentine’s Day is a reminder of the connections that make climbing more than a sport, it is something we love. Giving to the Climbing Grief Fund is a way to express love for the climbing community we’re all part of—and to ensure no one has to walk through difficult moments alone.

When you give to the Climbing Grief Fund from February 10 to March 10 the Edwards-Ginsburg Fund will match all tribute gifts dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $25,000, doubling the impact of your support.

During this time, we’ll feature a virtual dedication wall, where you can give in honor of, in remembrance of, or show gratitude for someone who has been part of your climbing journey.

Donors can recognize someone on our wall by adding a name with—Honoring, In Memory of, or In Gratitude—in the comments field on the donation page. Virtual wall will be published through the end of 2026.

Support the Grief Fund

Grief Fund Resources

Grief Fund Grant

The Grant offers up to $600 for individuals experiencing grief, loss, trauma, or injury to use toward individual therapy or a professional program that engages a grief or trauma framework, including those not listed in the CGF directory. There is no application period for this grant, apply at any time as needed.

All Grant applications will remain confidential. We will notify you of approval within 2 weeks of submission. Please email us if there are questions concerning the application process.

***

Climbing Grief Fund grants are supported in part by the Edwards-Ginsburg Fund. This fund was established in 2025 to honor the support that caregivers and loved ones provide to individuals directly impacted by trauma or tragedy due to climbing, mountaineering, or ski-mountaineering related accidents.

Apply for grief grant

Grief Fund Directory

The Mental Health Professionals listed are self-selected allies to the Climbing Grief Fund. They bring an understanding of climbing, alpinism and/or ski mountaineering into their therapeutic work. Learn more about help available to you, how to add a resource, and browse professionals near you on the directory page.

Disclaimer: While the credentials of each person have been reviewed, CGF cannot accept responsibility for any of the services provided by these or any other providers. You are responsible for selecting the provider or treatment.

Browse Directory

Virtual Dedication Wall

In Memory of Lincoln, my climbing, bicycling, rafting and bridge buddy for seventy years.
In memory of Greg Cameron, from his San Diego friends.
In memory of Odell and Shirley Jones