Climber Stewards 2025
Partnered with The Access Fund, the NRG Climber Stewards engage in meaningful conversations about climbing, combining a passion for the sport with a commitment to environmental sustainability. This is a paid position, running from May 9 to October 26, 2025. Responsibilities include disseminating important information on local climbing ethics, promoting Leave No Trace principles, discussing climbing techniques and beta, and highlighting ongoing advocacy efforts by NRAC and other organizations. Additionally, stewards will participate in and support community events on behalf of the Access Fund. The primary objective of this role is to foster discussions that raise awareness about sustainability practices, while empowering the climbing community to minimize its impact on the New River Gorge and surrounding areas.
PAID POSITION
APPLICATION DEADLINE: CLOSED
Photo by Karen Lane
Paul Nelson Memorial Scholarship 2025
The Dr. Paul Nelson Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student-climber who exemplifies the passion that defined Paul’s life and contributions to the New River Gorge region. The selected student will be asked to create and present a project that will help others learn about and care for the important outdoor recreational resources available in the New River Gorge National Park and surrounding region.
AMOUNT AWARDED: $1,000.00
APPLICATION DEADLINE: CLOSED
More about Paul’s life here:
Diversity Grant 2025
The goal of the grant is to support BIPOC climbers who are working on or developing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the New River Gorge climbing community.
For the past three years, NRAC’s annual Diversity in Guiding Grant has granted two BIPOC recipients per year the funds needed to obtain their Single Pitch Instructor certification through the AMGA. NRAC's Philanthropy Committee, alongside Climbing for Change, will offer this year's grant money to support grant recipients in local or regional DEI work in climbing to broaden the potential local impact. Applicants will submit their project ideas, along with an estimated amount of money needed to make it happen. Based on the number of project proposals and the distribution of costs, there could be more or less than two recipients.
AMOUNT AWARDED: $3,000.00
APPLICATION DEADLINE: CLOSED
Photo of Ronnie Black by Karen Lane
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