Mount Everest Foundation

The Mount Everest Foundation (MEF), established in 1955 as a UK-based charity from public funds celebrating the first Everest ascent, is jointly administered by the Alpine Club and Royal Geographical Society. Its core mission is to inspire and support exploratory mountaineering expeditions and scientific research in the world's mountain regions, prioritizing projects that yield new geographical, geological, biological, or glaciological knowledge—such as first ascents, new routes on peaks like Kangchenjunga or Annapurna, high-altitude biology, and climate studies. Rooted in values of adventure, discovery, scientific inquiry, and public benefit, MEF emphasizes high-quality reporting, ethical practices, and archiving expedition outcomes for collective learning.

It funds well-organized teams pursuing novel exploration or underrepresented scientific work in remote mountains worldwide, including the Himalaya, Karakoram, Andes, and lesser-known ranges. Beneficiaries are primarily UK, New Zealand, or Nepali nationals (from 2024), often postgraduate/early-career researchers or established mountaineering groups; no geographic base or organization income restrictions apply, with preference for smaller, technically focused ventures.

Grants range from £1,000 to £5,500 (averaging £3,000-£4,000), awarded biannually via email-submitted Word forms to the MEF Secretary, including referee proformas, by strict deadlines: 31 January (for expeditions post-mid-April) or 30 September (post-1 December). MEF excludes general charities, development, recreational activities, or non-exploratory projects, distinguishing itself through rigorous peer-reviewed decisions, catalytic supplemental funding, and a legacy of enabling world-class advances in high-mountain knowledge.