Zack Martin Breaking Barriers Grant
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In 2008, Industry Partner Black Diamond graciously agreed to be a supporter and sponsor of the Zack Martin Breaking Barriers Grant. Grant recipients will be offered equipment sponsorship specific to the goals and objectives of the expedition or trip.
In 2010, Petzl, one of the leading outdoor equipment suppliers, also became a sponsor of the Zack Martin Grant. Petzl will offer the grant recipients special assistance with products that are specific to the grant objectives.
Black Diamond and Petzl's assistance will allow the ZMBB recipients to defray the cost of outfitting their climbing and humanitarian objectives. For information regarding the BD and Petzl sponsorship, contact John Parsons.
Applying for the ZMBB Grant
Applying for the ZMBB Grant is a two-step process. The first step is the submission of a grant proposal abstract. After review of the abstract, the ZMBB grant committee will select three potential recipients. Each selected applicant will be contacted and required to complete and submit the long form grant proposal. In order to process your application, here are the requirements and timelines:
- Complete the attached abstract proposal and submit it by March 15.
- Three potential recipients will be contacted on or before March 30. A long form grant proposal will be due by April 15.
- The award will be announced by mid-May.
If you need any additional information, please contact John Parsons.
Selection Process
A committee of three active climbers reviews the applications and selects the recipients, and decides how much each of the recipients will receive. Recipients are typically chosen by May 20 and all applicants will be notified of the committee's decision at that point.
Purpose of the Zack Martin Breaking Barriers Grant
The Zack Martin Breaking Barriers Grant (ZMBB) is a dual-purpose grant fund. The primary objective is humanitarian. The secondary objective involves alpinism, ice climbing, rock climbing, bouldering or just adventure and discovery in the natural environment. The grantee must meet both objectives and is strongly encouraged to obtain additional funding and sponsors. The primary objective, the humanitarian objective, must be reasonable and sustainable. Objectives that continue after implementation will receive the highest level of consideration. It is preferable to have an objective that teaches the locals "how to" and provides some level of continued support and funding. For more information, see the humanitarian objectives of previous ZMBB recipients. The secondary objective should focus on adventure and discovery in the natural environment. Special consideration is given to alpinism, ice climbing, rock climbing and bouldering. However, almost any activity that involves adventure and discovery will be considered, such as ski mountaineering, ski traversing, adventure trekking, paragliding over mountains, etc. Keep in mind, this objective does not need to be a "bleeding" edge activity. The salient requirement is adventure and discovery.
Other Information
Zack Martin died just before his 25th birthday on Thanksgiving Day 2002. He was a recipient of AAC grants, the Anatoli Boukreev grant and others. Zack was concerned about the general arrogance and self-serving aspirations of climbers and explorers. He committed that on all future expeditions he would not only climb and explore but more importantly he would perform humanitarian service in the local community. He would "break a barrier" in the alpine environment and "break a barrier" in the heart of man. As Zack often said, "The only barrier holding you back is yourself."
How To Apply
Application Download (PDF) - Zack Martin Breaking Barriers Grant