professional association
National Speleological Society
caves.org (opens in a new tab)11 openCatalog updated
Open programs11
International Exploration Grants
The National Speleological Society (NSS) offers International Exploration Grants to support international expeditions focused on cave exploration, surveying, documentation, and photodocumentation.
- Deadline
- Amount
- Not listed
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.
- Deadline
- Amount
- Not listed
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.
- Deadline
- Amount
- Not listed
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.
- Deadline
- Amount
- Not listed
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.
- Deadline
- Amount
- $1,500
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.
- Deadline
- Amount
- $2,000
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.
- Deadline
- Not listed
- Amount
- $1,500
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.
- Deadline
- Not listed
- Amount
- Not listed
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.
- Deadline
- Not listed
- Amount
- Not listed
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.
- Deadline
- Not listed
- Amount
- Not listed
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.
- Deadline
- Not listed
- Amount
- $1,500
Program details are the catalog's own fields as FundFit holds them: title, category, deadline, and amount. For the full listing and eligibility, follow the funder's site.