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We Have A Robust

Financial Assistance Program

 

All About ASCEND's

Equity + Outreach Fund

History

Many years ago, we launched our financial assistance program via the Equity + Outreach Fund, which is funded by our community members by way of monthly donations, one-time contributions, or through event fundraisers. Together, we've raised and deployed tens of thousands of dollars to climbers in need of some assistance when paying for membership dues, gear rentals and purchases, and programs like summer camp, A-Team, or climbing classes.

Supported Admission + Program Funding

These contributions, alongside ASCEND subsidizing membership dues, program fees, rental gear, and gear purchases, is how we sustainability operate our Supported Admission + Program Options, which you can learn more about below. Simply said, community members in need of financial assistance are able to utilize these services at a discount of up to 70% off.

2025 Snapshot

  • $6k was raised from the community

  • $14k was subsidized by ASCEND

  • $20k was disbursed in total

    • Gear | Classes | Events: $2k

    • Camps: $8k

    • A-Team: $10k

Additionally, ASCEND supported an average of 400 members per month by way of providing memberships at 40% and 70% off.

Contribute To The

Equity + Outreach Fund

ADD A MONTHLY DONATION TO YOUR RECURRING MEMBERSHIP: Contact the front desk and indicate how much per month you'd like to add to your membership billing. Those who currently contribute range $1-$20 per month!

MAKE A ONE-TIME DONATION: Please visit or call the front desk. Online donations will be accepted soon!

How To Get

Financial Assistance

At ASCEND, we value our community above all else. We believe that a diverse community, representing people from all backgrounds, only strengthens us — so we want to make sure that we’re doing our part to make climbing accessible and approachable for as many people as possible. There are multiple barriers to climbing, outdoor recreation, and outdoor spaces in general. Just one of those barriers is the cost. Paying for access can be a burden to some, and can prevent people from participating in an activity that we all love, that we want to share, and that we think brings comfort and challenge to everyone who participates.

Supported admission draws from ASCEND's Equity + Outreach Fund. While we do not seek proof of financial status, we kindly ask that supported service recipients identify with having little or no expendable income, qualify for government assistance, are an elder with limited financial support, are a returning citizen denied work due to incarceration, have medical expenses not covered by insurance, or are experiencing any other unique or systemic financial hardship or inequity.

ALL OF THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTED OPTIONS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE. PLEASE GET SETUP ONLINE FIRST AND THEN VISIT THE FRONT DESK TO START CLIMBING!

Membership

We offer a Supported Monthly Renewing Membership, which is 40% off our standard pricing. Learn more about membership at ASCEND. If this option is for you based on the bolded description just above, select your preferred location link below to start your membership now!

Rental Gear

We also offer a Supported Monthly Renewing Gear Rental package, which includes unlimited rental use of shoes, harnesses, belay devices, and chalk. It is 50% off our standard pricing and must accompany a Supported Monthly Renewing Membership. You may add-on your gear rental package when purchasing your membership from one of the links above.

Programs

To help provide access to our wonderful programs, we offer a Supported Program Promo Code, which can be be applied to a vast majority of our programs - from Boulder Basics, Climbing 101, Outdoor Trips, Summer Camp, A-Team, AND MANY MORE - to receive 25% off our standard pricing. If the code doesn't work, please email [email protected] and we'll get back to you ASAP.

If this option is for you based on the description above, use promo code SUPPORT25 during checkout when booking an upcoming program!

Gear Purchases

We firmly believe that part of becoming a regular climber is owning your own pair of shoes and a harness. These two personal items are critically important to one's progress and will save you money over time, compared to renting over and over again.

We've partnered up with Evolv (shoes) and Wild Country (harnesses) to offer our community members seeking additional support 40% off of select models.

  • SHOES: Evolv Defy, Elektra, Kronos, or Kira

  • HARNESSES: Wild Country Flow or Session

To seek eligibility to save 40% on your purchase, please complete the scholarship form below.

Scholarships

Still having trouble meeting these prices? Please complete the form below to seek a Scholarship. There are a limited number of scholarships available, but we aim to provide them to as many people as possible who seek one out.