The Mount Everest Foundation is the original – and still the most important – charity in the United Kingdom devoted to the support of mountain exploration and science. It is a continuing initiative between the Alpine Club and the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers).

Founded after the successful ascent of Everest in 1953 and initially financed from surplus funds and subsequent royalties of the 1953 expedition, the Foundation was established to encourage ‘exploration of the mountain regions of the earth’. John Hunt, the 1953 expedition leader was one of the main proponents.

Since inception the MEF has dispensed almost £840,000 in grants. The majority go to small expeditions organised by adventurous young men and women. However the Foundation has also supported expeditions to the earth’s highest peaks, fine examples of which were first ascents of and new routes on Everest, Kangchenjunga, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Xixabangma, Nuptse, Kongur and the Ogre. In fifty years over 1,500 expeditions have been helped. Approval by the MEF, even without a grant, is often highly valued by an expedition seeking sponsorship.

In recent years most expeditions have followed a trend towards attempting new routes of extreme difficulty on high or remote peaks with self-sufficient teams. Venues have ranged from Antarctica to Alaska, from South America to Greenland and right across the Himalaya and Karakoram. Outstanding examples have been new routes on Ama Dablam, Asgard, Changabang, the Central Tower of Paine, Spantik, Siguniang, Taulliraju and Taweche.

There have also been ventures devoted principally to science and exploration. Notable among these were the RGS Mulu (Sarawak) Expedition, the RGS International Karakoram Project and high altitude physiological studies during the first ascent of Kongur (Xinjiang). In 1987 the Foundation initiated the publication of a Map and Gazetteer of the Mountains of Central Asia. On the basis of recommendations made by the Ghar Parau Foundation, each year the MEF also supports a number of caving expeditions taking place in high mountain areas.

The Foundation, which encourages the protection of mountains, their peoples, culture, fauna and flora, requires teams to follow strict environmental policies. It is administered by a Committee of Management and a Screening Committee appointed by the Alpine Club and the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers): all members are unpaid. Donations and bequests to further these aims will be gratefully acknowledged.

APPLYING FOR SUPPORT:

For the Foundation’s charitable status to be maintained, it is important that an exploratory element is prominent in the expeditions it approves. Primarily British and New Zealand expeditions which plan geographical exploration, first ascents of, or new routes on, high or remote mountains are likely to qualify. Applications to little-explored or formerly inaccessible areas are particularly encouraged. The MEF also supports education and research involving the world’s mountains regions: research expeditions to any high mountain regions are also eligible for funding.

Grant application forms can be obtained either from the MEF website, or by writing to the Hon Secretary. Since 1991 the Foundation has also awarded the Alison Chadwick Memorial Grant to deserving female expeditions or individual climbers applying for MEF support.

The main obligation of an expedition accepting support is to provide a Summary Report and an account of expenses within six weeks of completion. A Final Report is required as soon as possible afterwards. Failure to observe this simple requirement may result in a leader being refused future support. Copies of these reports are held (some on line) by the Alpine Club, the Royal Geographical Society and the British Mountaineering Council.

The Screening Committee meets to consider applications twice a year – in November and March. Closing dates for receipt of completed applications are 31st August and 31st December of the year prior to the expedition. These dates are strictly observed, and expeditions are never considered in retrospect

For further detailed information, on Support for Expeditions including guidelines, grant application & referee forms (Click here)

Summaries of supported expeditions from the year 2000 onwards are available to view on this site (Click here to view past reports)