RESPONSIBILITIES

Expectations of grant recipients include:

1. Content Deliverable Plan. The highest standard of deliverables, including trip reports, articles, media, and outreach are expected from Cutting Edge Grant recipients. The AAC Grants Manager and American Alpine Journal editorial staff will work directly with recipients to develop a plan for appropriately documenting the expedition, developing timelines for submission, and creating appropriate engagement expectations. This plan will be developed and agreed upon by both parties prior to the expedition date.

Examples of recipient deliverables may include:

Trip Report: In general, trip reports should incorporate a written component, ideally 500-1,500 words, giving a general summary of the trip, including planning, approach, camps, climbs attempted, climbs completed, and any logistical information helpful to future parties. Appropriate imagery that aids to illustrate these components should also be included. [Due within 60-90 days of trip completion]

Photography/Videography: High-quality photography and/or videography illustrating the visual aspects and experiences of the expedition, including imagery that exemplifies the AAC brand and incorporates the AAC logo, will be expected.

American Alpine Journal: It is expected that recipients, if asked, submit a unique, fresh story for publication in the AAJ or AAJ Online, with previously unpublished photos, if possible. [Due within 60-90 days of trip completion]

Presentations/Slideshows: Recipients may be called upon to give a presentation of the expedition at a national or local AAC event or other public engagement. It is expected that recipients mention the support of the AAC and include the AAC logo when speaking about the expedition.

Marketing: Recipients may be asked to participate in AAC-driven marketing campaigns promoting the Cutting Edge Grant or other AAC programs. Campaigns could include social media posts, Instagram takeovers, print collateral, or email promotions.

Volunteerism: Recipients may be asked to participate in AAC-led volunteer commitments such as sitting on a grant selection committee or involvement in conservation, stewardship, or advocacy initiatives.

2. Trip Commitment. Recipients should demonstrate a commitment to their objective by expressing a detailed understanding of the proposed expedition’s objective, timeline, budget, and logistics, including what permits and/or visas may be required.

3. Club Representation. Recipients will act as American Alpine Club ambassadors to the international climbing community and are expected to champion the mission, values, and support of the Club both domestically and abroad. Recipients should do their best to practice environmentally low impact and leave no trace ethics, acting as strong mountain stewards. Recipients are expected to obey the rules and regulations of the host country in which they are climbing.