Welcome to the Colorado Climbing Foundation

Our Mission

The Colorado Climbing Foundation (CCF) is newly formed volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to supporting Colorado’s climbing community and protecting the places that make climbing here possible.Our mission is to celebrate and preserve Colorado’s rich climbing heritage, promote responsible stewardship and access, advance climbing education and safety, and support search and rescue organizations throughout our state.We are in the process of partnering with already established groups to support this awesome community wide project and to ensure that any funds generated from this idea go directly where it matters. Our primary motive is to create something fun for the community while giving back.The first major initiative is the proposed Colorado Climbing Specialty License Plate. More than a celebration of Colorado’s climbing identity, the plate is intended to create an ongoing source of charitable funding for projects and organizations that benefit our climbing community.We invite you to explore the license plate proposal and learn more about the process below.Transparency & AccountabilityAs a new non-profit we understand that transparency, accountability, and community involvement are essential to earning the trust of Colorado climbers.Our incorporation documents, Colorado charitable registration, and proposed use of funds are available for public review below. These documents outline our legal status, organizational purpose, and intentions for managing future license plate revenue.

A License Plate for Colorado Climbers

Our Community Deserves Some Recognition—and Some Swag!The Colorado Climbing License Plate is a proposed specialty plate created to celebrate Colorado’s climbing community, history, and iconic landscapes.Designed to stand out on the road while reflecting the character of climbing in Colorado, the plate gives climbers a way to represent the community wherever they go—and turns that representation into something meaningful.Proceeds from the plate program will support climbing access, crag care, climbing education, and Search & Rescue organizations serving communities across Colorado.The proposed contribution to qualify for the plate is a one time $25 dollar donation; we believe this is affordable while still substantial enough to have real effects.

The Design

The proposed Colorado Climbing License Plate will celebrate Colorado's rich climbing heritage and the landscapes that have shaped it.The phrase CLIMB ON is being considered as the primary slogan for obvious reasons.As for the visual design, we will be working closely with the DMV to bring the plate to life. We promise that our finalized design will be something our community can be proud of!Below are some examples of recent plate designs. If skiers and dinosaurs have cool plates; why shouldn't we?

What We Need!

To make the Colorado Climbing License Plate a reality, we first need to demonstrate that Colorado’s climbing community wants it.The state requires support from at least 3,000 registered Colorado vehicle owners who commit to purchasing the plate before the proposal can move forward.CCF has received expressed authorization from the Colorado DMV to begin collecting signatures, both electronically and on paper.Signing the petition is free and does not require you to purchase a license plate now or in the future. Your signature indicates your intention to purchase the proposed plate if it becomes available, but it is not a binding purchase agreement.Our Goal: 3,000+ Colorado Climber Signatures

Sign & Get The Plate!

Please click the link below to complete the petition form.All information collected will be used exclusively by the Colorado Climbing Foundation (CCF) and the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the proposed specialty license plate application and approval process.Your personal information will not be sold, shared for marketing purposes, or used for any unrelated purpose.

How the License Plate Process Works

Establishing a new specialty license plate in Colorado is a lengthy process involving the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the state legislature.The proposing organization must meet Colorado's nonprofit and charitable registration requirements and submit the necessary documentation to the DMV. This includes organizational formation documents, a description of how funds will be used, and an approved method for collecting signatures.The proposal must also demonstrate public demand through 3,000 qualifying commitments from Colorado vehicle owners.Once the application requirements have been satisfied and the DMV has approved, CCF must secure the support of a Colorado State Representative or State Senator willing to sponsor legislation for the proposed plate.If the legislation is passed, the project can proceed through the state's selection and license plate design process. The final design and participating organization remain subject to state approval.

About Us

Our LeadershipThe Colorado Climbing Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. As a newly established organization, we're currently developing our governance structure, organizational policies, and long-term initiatives.We currently have three board directors, one financial advisor and one administrative/philanthropic outreach advisor.Additional board member introductions will be added as we continue building the foundation's new website. This site exists to collect signatures as a step in the process.

Weston HamiltonFounder & President | Board of DirectorsWeston is a Colorado native and lifelong outdoor enthusiast who has spent over a decade climbing throughout the state. He has a background in climbing instruction, outdoor education, and recreation management, and holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from CU Boulder.He is an AMGA-certified Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, and EMT.Weston founded the Colorado Climbing Foundation with the belief that Colorado's climbing community deserves greater recognition and that funding generated from the license plate project will cast a wide net, supporting programs that receive limited funding. This support could be as simple as providing new climbing shoes and helmets for free community climbing programs or as major as helping search and rescue teams purchase critical equipment.His primary goal is to ensure that funds generated from the plate program make a meaningful difference throughout Colorado's climbing community and that they go directly to the people who make a difference.

Legal Status & Transparency

The Colorado Climbing Foundation (CCF) is a legally established Colorado nonprofit corporation registered with the Colorado Secretary of State.CCF has also completed its charitable organization registration with the State of Colorado.As a newly established organization, we believe transparency and accountability are essential to earning the trust of Colorado's climbing community.Official Documentation
These documents are available for public review to verify CCF's legal status and registration.

Contact Us

Have a question about the Colorado Climbing Foundation, the proposed Colorado Climbing License Plate, or how you can get involved? We’d love to hear from you.Whether you’re a climber, climbing organization, gym, guide service, outdoor business, or simply someone who wants to help support climbing in Colorado, reach out.General Questions
Questions about CCF, our mission, or upcoming projects.Colorado Climbing License Plate
Questions about the proposed plate, supporting the campaign, or becoming a community partner.Partnerships & Support
Interested in working with CCF, sponsoring an initiative, or helping us reach Colorado climbers? Get in touch.Climb On & Give Back.

[email protected]

Background Photo: Eldorado Canyon State Park, Colorado. Photograph by Weston Hamilton.The Colorado Climbing Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife or the State of Colorado.