THE ADAPTIVE ADVENTURE FUND

OVERVIEW

The Adaptive Adventure Fund (AAF) was created by Paradox Sports to support the climbing dreams of our adaptive community, to support those who are challenging the perception of what is possible with a disability, and want to push their vertical limits. As an organization that focuses on serving an underrepresented group, we strongly encourage applications from people of color and other underrepresented communities. The Paradox Sports mission is to transform lives and communities through adaptive climbing opportunities that defy convention and starting in 2020 we are taking that one step further. The Adaptive Adventure Fund supports individuals with disabilities who have an adventurous spirit, a passion for perseverance, and who take the initiative to set ambitious climbing goals.
*Please note that the Adaptive Adventure Fund is a restricted grant, which does not support climbing competitions, festivals, certifications etc. Please check out our Community Fund if your request falls outside of the specific AAF guidelines.

THE COMMUNITY FUND

OVERVIEW

The Community Fund was created by Paradox Sports to support members of our adaptive community in their pursuit of opportunity. Unlike our restricted Adaptive Adventure Grant, the Community Fund is an open grant application that fields wider pursuits and interests focused on rock and ice climbing. Are you thinking about getting AMGA SPI certified? Or possibly want to attend an adaptive climbing clinic or festival? What do you need support for as you pursue climbing? Applications are accepted throughout the year and are considered on a case by case basis. Awards are highly dependent on our annual budget. We aim to change the perception of what is possible with a disability, and want to support our community in their pursuit to push their vertical limits. 
As an organization that focuses on serving an underrepresented group, we strongly encourage applications from people of color and other underrepresented communities. The Paradox Sports mission is to transform lives and communities through adaptive climbing opportunities that defy convention.

GRANTS

The AAF and Community Fund grants are awarded based on merit, demonstrated through the application process. We want to see a depth of experience in the individuals. Once you have articulated merit, tell us in detail about the objective. What do you dream to do? Why is this important? What will you gain? Amounts distributed are also dependent on proposed budget and annual budget availability.  Preference will be given to individuals who have previously participated in a Paradox Sports program. The grant range is generally between $100 to $750.  Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis. Grant awards are dependent on annual budget.

TERMS

Paradox Sports strives to serve all individuals regardless of ability. This grant is open to all abilities and experience levels. We encourage all applicants to submit a complete application, with a focus on the following components:

THE ADAPTIVE ADVENTURE FUND

  • Must demonstrate a challenge and skills progression for the grant applicant. Your individual experience level should be appropriate for the proposed objective. Once you have articulated the merit, tell us in detail about the objective. 
  • The AAF grant is open to all ability levels and all climbing disciplines – mountaineering, alpine climbing, sport climbing, trad climbing. If your adventure falls outside of the climbing disciplines, please contact us to discuss.
  • AAF grants are awarded to individuals only. If you are attempting a project as part of a team, your teammates may apply separately.
  • Applications are accepted for projects that occur within one year of the application date.
  • Projects involving climbers who are supported financially by corporate sponsors will not be considered. Proposals from “amateur” climbers who have received in-kind corporate support (e.g., gear) will be considered, but support levels must be disclosed.
  • Applicants must be US citizens or green card holders to apply. US Social Security Numbers are required for tax purposes.
  • AAF grant awards are available every two years, to ensure we support as many different community members as possible.

THE COMMUNITY FUND

  • Preference will be given to current Paradox Sports community members.
  • Community Fund grant awards are available every two years-so we ensure we support as many different community members as possible.
  • Grant application must demonstrate a relationship to climbing.
  • The Community Fund grants are awarded to individuals only. 
  • Applications are accepted for projects that occur within one year of the application date.
  • Projects involving climbers who are supported financially by corporate sponsors will not be considered. Proposals from “amateur” climbers who have received in-kind corporate support (e.g., gear) will be considered, but support levels must be disclosed.
  • Applicants must be US citizens or green card holders to apply. US Social Security Numbers are required for tax purposes.

EXPECTATIONS

Accepted applicants are committing to providing the following for Paradox Sports:
  • Recipients will act as Paradox Sports representative to the wider climbing community, land managers, public and are expected to embody the mission of Paradox Sports. Recipients should do their best to practice environmentally low impact and leave no trace ethics.
  • If for any reason the project is canceled or significantly changed, funds given must be returned to Paradox Sports in full within one week. Please contact Becky Lindstrom if your proposal changes.
  • Funds must be used within one year of the approved grant application. Funds do not carry over to alternative projects, individuals will need to re-apply.
  • Recipients agree to tag Paradox Sports and the #AdaptiveAdventureFund or #CommunityFund on all social media posts about the project, and include Paradox Sports and the AAF or Community Fund as sponsors when speaking about the project publicly.  Paradox Sports may ask you to present at one local event.
  • All grant recipients are required to submit a trip report to Paradox Sports within 60 days of returning. 
  • Recipients are required to provide 5-10 photos submitted with the trip report, with explicit permission for Paradox Sports to use in social media, marketing, website publications or reproduced in any manner desired for marketing or promotional purposes.

APPLICATION

The applications must be submitted no later than 90 days prior to expedition or event departure. Please submit applications via the link here. Recipients will be announced on a rolling basis. Before applying, please carefully read the Terms and Expectations of the Adaptive Adventure Fund & Community Fund grant(s) outlined above.

TRIP SCHOLARSHIPS

Looking for National Trip scholarship information?  Find more info here or apply for the KAJ Memorial Scholarship Fund below.

KAJ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

We created the KAJ Memorial Scholarship fund in loving memory of our son, Kyle, who passed away in a climbing accident in Germany in March 2022.
Kyle was an avid and accomplished athlete and was always ready for the next adventure! From soccer, cycling, mountain biking, competing in triathlons, surfing, and climbing, there was always another adventure on Kyle’s horizon. Not only was Kyle an accomplished athlete, Kyle was also an amazing son, brother, partner, and friend to so many. Kyle brought joy to so many people with his beautiful smile and infectious sense of humor.
One of Kyle’s life goals was to work with veterans, disabled individuals, and youth groups in outdoor programs, which attracted us to Paradox Sports. While our lives will never be the same, we are thrilled to be partnering with Paradox to achieve Kyle’s life goal of helping others while creating a lasting legacy that will keep Kyle’s bright light shining!
Carla & Bill

Questions? Please contact us at info@paradoxsports.org or by phone 720-638-5593

The AAF is supported in part by Eldorado Climbing Walls and Craig & Cynthia Smith. Thank you to our supporting sponsors!