Khumbu Climbing Center
The Juniper Fund is excited to announce that in December 2024, we will be assuming financial stewardship and oversight of the Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC). Founded in 2003 in Phortse, Nepal, by the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation (ALCF), the KCC teaches responsible climbing practices to Nepali climbers and high-altitude workers.
For 25 years, the ALCF has provided support and training to community-based humanitarian organizations in Khumbu. The KCC serves as the cornerstone of this work, having provided climbing, rescue, and medical skills training along with English language courses to over a thousand Nepali men and women, creating a culture of safety for mountain workers.
With gratitude for the individuals and communities who have become the heart and soul of the organization, The Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation will be concluding its work in Khumbu in early December 2024 and entrusting The Juniper Fund to take this vital mission forward.
“After an amazing 25 years, the time has come for us to pass the torch to a new generation of passionate individuals who share our mission. The Juniper Fund was the obvious choice to take over management of the KCC due to their deep knowledge of, and experience with these communities. We know our friends and family in the Phortse are in kind and capable hands, and we look forward to staying involved as advisors and Board members in the future.”
– Jenni Lowe, President of The Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation
The Juniper Fund is proud to carry on the legacy of the ALCF, join with the incredible team at KCC, and empower them to continue to operate an independent, efficient, and successful program. For those in our Nepali communities, we are committed to making this transition as seamless as possible. Together with our administration and compliance partner in Nepal, as well as our community partners in Phortse, we will ensure that the ongoing KCC programs remain strong and successful, supported by the dedicated staff already in place.
“Transitioning oversight of the KCC to the Juniper Fund will only expand our ability to support mountain communities, provide efficiencies in programs and fundraising, and continue the trusted and successful partnership the two organizations have shared for decades.”
– Christine Hass, Executive Director of The Juniper Fund
For more information on the KCC Programs, how to get involved or questions about the transition, please contact info@thejuniperfund.org