Explaining the fund
Applications received less than 6 weeks before the start date of the course applied for will not be considered.
This fund supports people from ethnically diverse backgrounds who face barriers to participation and are therefore significantly under-represented and less engaged with all Mountain Training qualifications, and skills courses. Empowering more independent walkers and climbers from these groups into leadership roles is in line with our vision:
To promote a diverse and active outdoor society, supported by inspirational leaders, instructors and coaches. Inspiring more diverse participants to lead, coach and role model
The aim of the fund is to help people who are in need of support to gain skills and qualification training and assessment by part-funding the cost of courses.
Eligibility criteria
The fund is open to individual people from ethnically diverse backgrounds. The funding is set aside to support people who are not in a position to afford the full cost of a course.
Applicants can apply for up to 50% of the median course cost
What’s not included :
- The registration fee – this a one-off fee for each qualification. It is the only fee candidates pay to Mountain Training. The registration fee pays for our quality assurance work as well as the maintenance and development of the Candidate Management System and Digital Logbook. There is no registration fee for the skills schemes.
- First aid courses – having a first aid qualification is a requirement of assessment courses. The cost of attending a first aid course is not included in our offer.
- Travel, accommodation and food costs during the course.
- Climbing wall entry fees, if applicable.
Screening and approval process
Applications can be made at any time.
We aim to respond with a decision within 4 weeks of the date of application.
Applications received less than 6 weeks before the start date of the course applied for will not be considered.
Once granted, the course applied for must be attended within the timeframe given in the application. Course evaluations must be submitted within two weeks of the course date.
How to apply
Complete an application form.
Grants will be paid on completion of the course applied for (irrespective of outcome) and receipt of a completed course evaluation and claim form.
Median course costs
Mountain Training course providers set their own course costs.
Course costs vary depending on whether courses are residential or non-residential and other factors such as kit hire and transport. With the aim of making access to funding as equitable as possible we award up to 50% of the median course cost. Median course costs are calculated annually.
Course type | Median course cost |
Hill Skills | £154 |
Mountain Skills | £147.50 |
Rock Skills Introduction | £80 |
Rock Skills Intermediate | £205 |
Rock Skills Learn to Lead Sport Climbs | £220 |
Rock Skills Learn to Lead Trad Climbs | £255 |
Indoor Climbing Assistant | £85 |
Climbing Wall Instructor training | £160 |
Climbing Wall Instructor assessment | £110 |
Abseil Module training | £50 |
Abseil Module assessment | £65 |
Climbing Wall Development Instructor training | £115 |
Climbing Wall Development Instructor assessment | £115 |
Rock Climbing Instructor training | £255 |
Rock Climbing Instructor assessment | £200 |
Rock Climbing Development Instructor training | £410 |
Rock Climbing Development Instructor assessment | £400 |
Foundation Coach training | £100 |
Foundation Coach assessment | £135 |
Development Coach training | £170 |
Development Coach assessment | £200 |
Camping Leader | £100 |
Lowland Leader training | £165 |
Lowland Leader assessment | £180 |
Hill and Moorland Leader training | £245 |
Hill and Moorland Leader assessment | £265 |
Mountain Leader training | £425 |
Mountain Leader assessment | £440 |