professional association

National Speleological Society

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Open programs11

  1. International Exploration Grants

    The National Speleological Society (NSS) offers International Exploration Grants to support international expeditions focused on cave exploration, surveying, documentation, and photodocumentation.

    Research ProjectCave exploration, speleology, geology, environmental science

    Deadline
    Amount
    Not listed
  2. Alvin McDonald Award

    The National Speleological Society’s Alvin McDonald Award, new for 2026, recognizes a young cave explorer for outstanding accomplishments in cave exploration.

    OtherCave exploration

    Deadline
    Amount
    Not listed
  3. Certificate of Merit

    The National Speleological Society (NSS) presents Certificates of Merit annually to recognize recent, significant accomplishments in cave exploration, study, conservation, or other activities advancing the Society’s goals.

    OtherCave exploration, study, or conservation

    Deadline
    Amount
    Not listed
  4. International Exploration Grants

    The National Speleological Society’s International Exploration Grants support international caving expeditions through funding for group expenses and equipment, including ropes, survey and search-and-rescue gear, permits, guides, transportation, and meals.

    Research ProjectCave science and exploration

    Deadline
    Amount
    Not listed
  5. Dr. Albert & Ethel Ogden Geosciences Research Fellowship

    The National Speleological Society (NSS) offers the Dr. Albert & Ethel Ogden Geosciences Research Fellowship, providing up to $1,500 annually for undergraduate and graduate research in cave- and karst-related geosciences, including geology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, geochemistry, geophysics, and related interdisciplinary fields.

    FellowshipGeosciences, including geology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, geochemistry, geophysics, geography, GIS, environmental science, and ecology

    Deadline
    Amount
    $1,500
  6. Ralph W. Stone Graduate Fellowship

    The National Speleological Society awards two Ralph W. Stone Graduate Fellowships annually, currently providing $2,000 each for graduate thesis research related to caves.

    FellowshipCave-related research

    Deadline
    Amount
    $2,000
  7. Dr. Albert & Ethel Ogden Geosciences Research Fellowship

    The National Speleological Society offers the Dr. Albert & Ethel Ogden Geosciences Research Fellowship to support undergraduate and graduate research in cave- and karst-related geosciences, with awards up to $1,500 annually.

    FellowshipGeosciences (cave and karst-related geosciences)

    Deadline
    Not listed
    Amount
    $1,500
  8. International Speleological Participation Grants

    The National Speleological Society (NSS) administers International Speleological Participation Grants, funded from the NSS International Support Fund, to support international speleological projects and foster exchange of techniques and information; applications are reviewed by the International Secretary, the Research Advisory Committee Chair, and the NSS President.

    Research ProjectSpeleology

    Deadline
    Not listed
    Amount
    Not listed
  9. NSS Cave Education Grant

    The National Speleological Society (NSS) offers Education Grants to support initiatives promoting cave and karst education, including educational programs for K–12 students.

    OtherEducation

    Deadline
    Not listed
    Amount
    Not listed
  10. NSS International Exploration Grants

    The National Speleological Society offers International Exploration Grants to support cave exploration expeditions and related group expenses, awarded twice yearly (December 20 and June 15) from an endowed fund; one annual award may be designated the larger Ron Simmons Grant.

    Research ProjectSpeleology

    Deadline
    Not listed
    Amount
    Not listed
  11. NSS Research Grants (RAC grants)

    The National Speleological Society (NSS) Research Grants (administered by the Research Advisory Committee) fund one-year research-support awards up to $1,500 (typical awards $500–$1,000) for cave-related research across biology, geology, hydrology, archaeology, speleological history, and interdisciplinary studies that are expected to yield publishable results.

    Research ProjectSpeleology; cave science; cave biology; geology; hydrology; paleontology; archaeology; speleological history

    Deadline
    Not listed
    Amount
    $1,500

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