NSS International Exploration Grants

About this program

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. Proposals are accepted only during Oct 30–Nov 30 for the December awards and Apr 30–May 31 for the June awards; submissions outside those windows will not be considered. Grants may fund group equipment and expedition costs (e.g., rope, survey and SAR gear, guides/porters, permits, in‑country transport, group meals and specialty food); equipment requests over $400 are allowable only if the item will be reused across multiple trips, while personal travel, personal caving gear, most legal fees, indirect costs/overhead, conference travel, and capital expenses incurred prior to the expedition are ineligible. Expedition results must not be withheld from the caving community (specific cave locations may be withheld) and recipients must provide a brief summary with photos for the NSS website plus an NSS News article or a presentation at the NSS Convention International Exploration Session.