Apply for the Anchor Replacement Fund

Credit Photo Courtesy of:
Salt Lake Climbers Alliance

Anchor Replacement Fund

The Anchor Replacement Fund was created to address the growing concerns of anchor failure and the access issues that could result from these incidents. Across the United States, bolts installed in the ’80s and ’90s are aging, and there is an immediate need to address inadequate fixed anchors and increase support for local and national partners leading these efforts.

We invite local climbing and anchor replacement organizations to seek funding and support for anchor replacement initiatives at their local climbing areas. A team of experts from Access Fund and the anchor replacement community review all grant applications. Grant applicants must demonstrate both need for the project and support from the local community.

Please review the grant guidelines below to ensure your project qualifies before applying.

Anchor Replacement Fund Grant Application

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from local climbing organizations and anchor replacement groups.

We fund work that:

  • Replaces bolts or fixed anchors on established routes (no new route development or new bolts by volunteers or other parties during replacement events/dates).
  • Uses ½-inch stainless bolts where power drills are allowed or ⅜-inch if hand-drilled.
  • Demonstrates community support, compatible land use regulations, respect for local ethics and history, and a detailed plan and budget.
  • Is in the United States.

We do not fund:

  • Applications from individuals.
  • Bolts for new routes or route development.
  • Nonstainless bolts and hangers.
  • Anchor replacement projects that fail to address or lack community support, compatible land use regulations, respect for local ethics and history, and a detailed plan and budget.
  • Anchor replacement projects outside the United States.

We encourage applicants to review Access Fund’s Resource Center for Fixed Anchors, which provides a rich set of resources on anchor replacement techniques, tools, and additional resources, including the Access Fund and American Alpine Club’s joint policy on fixed anchors.

Annual application deadline: September 15

Please direct any questions and e-mail grant applications to [email protected].

The Anchor Replacement Fund is sponsored by The American Alpine Club.