Belay & Breathe is a woman-centered peer support circle for individuals engaged in rock climbing and other embodied practices. Rooted in the philosophy of The Art of Drinking Water, it offers a gentle, non-clinical space for reflection, emotional regulation, and connection — before or after physical activity.

This is not about climbing harder or pushing limits. It is about noticing what the body carries — and allowing space to breathe.

Courtney Johnson serves as the Program Guide for Belay & Breathe. Her role is not to instruct or push, but to hold space — with steadiness, clarity, and respect for each participant’s pace.

Grounded in climbing, breath, and embodied awareness, Courtney guides circles with an emphasis on trust, emotional safety, and presence. The guide is part of the circle, not above it.

• Peer-based and non-hierarchical
• No partners required — the circle itself is the belay
• Speak-or-pass participation
• Silence is welcome
• No advice-giving or fixing
• Not therapy, coaching, or treatment
• Grounded in women’s lived experience
• Facilitated with care and clear boundaries

Belay & Breathe is sustained through thoughtful funding that supports people, presence, and safety — not scale or spectacle.

• Ethical compensation for program guides
• Safe and accessible gat

  Belay & Breathe

  Operational Budget & Funded Project Needs
  (Annual Planning View)

  Core Operational Costs

  These costs reflect what it takes to keep Belay & Breathe alive, ethical, and sustainable as a community-centered program.

  Program Facilitation & People

  Category	Annual Cost (Est.)	Notes
  Program Guide Honorarium	$3,000 – $5,000	Per-series or per-session stipend
  Guest Facilitators (optional)	$1,000 – $2,000	Specialized sessions
  Prep & Planning Time	$1,200 – $2,000	Curriculum and safety planning

  Subtotal: $5,200 – $9,000

  Community Gatherings & Experiences

  Category	Annual Cost	Notes
  Gathering Space / Outdoor Permits	$1,200 – $2,500	Sliding scale or donated when possible
  Food, Tea & Nourishment	$1,000 – $1,800	Simple, intentional offerings
  Materials & Supplies	$800 – $1,200	Reusable journals and prompts

  Subtotal: $3,000 – $5,500

  Safety & Accessibility

  Category	Annual Cost	Notes
  Safety Equipment & Gear	$1,000 – $2,000	Harnesses, ropes, upkeep
  Liability Insurance	$800 – $1,500	Program-specific coverage
  Accessibility Support	$500 – $1,000	Sliding-scale access

  Subtotal: $2,300 – $4,500

  Storytelling, Media & Outreach

  Category	Annual Cost	Notes
  Photography & Video	$1,200 – $2,000	Light documentation
  Editing & Publishing	$600 – $1,200	Website and archive
  Website Hosting & Tools	$400 – $800	Squarespace, forms

  Subtotal: $2,200 – $4,000

  Administrative & Sustainability

  Category	Annual Cost	Notes
  Fiscal Administration	$800 – $1,500	Compliance and reporting
  Accounting & Filing	$500 – $1,000	Nonprofit best practice
  Contingency Reserve	$1,000	Stability buffer

  Subtotal: $2,300 – $3,500

  Total Estimated Annual Operating Budget
  $15,000 – $26,500

  This range is realistic, fundable, and aligned with community-based programming.

  Projects to Be Funded

  These are tangible, named funding opportunities that allow supporters to see exactly how their contribution is used.

  Project	Cost	Description
  Belay & Breathe Core Series (6–8 sessions)	$6,000	Full guided program
  Community Access Fund	$2,500	Scholarships and sliding scale
  Safety & Gear Library	$3,000	Equipment longevity
  Storytelling Archive	$2,000	Preserve voices and experiences
  Instructor Support Fund	$2,500	Ethical compensation

  How This Translates to Donor Support

  • $50 — Materials and tea for one gathering
  • $150 — Supports one participant
  • $500 — Sponsors a full session
  • $1,000 — Funds safety and accessibility
  • $2,500+ — Sustains a full program element