CCV Grant Program (incl. Small Grant Program)

The Cave Conservancy of the Virginias funds cave & karst conservation, education/outreach, cave/sinkhole cleanups, significant-property acquisition, and original scientific/humanities research on cave & karst systems in VA and WV. Awards range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars; a Small Grant Program covers requests up to $1,500. Eligibility is tax-exempt orgs (project leader applies through a 501(c)(3)); grants go to the org. Recurring submission deadlines are Feb 15 and Aug 15 each year (Board reviews spring & fall). Guidelines updated Dec 2023.

Eligibility: proposals must be submitted by a project leader THROUGH a 501(c)(3) or other tax-exempt nonprofit (Grottos/NSS Sections, cave/karst conservation groups, public/private nonprofit colleges & universities, local/state government agencies). Grants are made to the organization (EIN required), not the individual. Projects must involve sites in Virginia or West Virginia (and immediate vicinity). No overhead/indirect costs funded. Projects involving underrepresented minorities / first-generation college students are especially encouraged. TWO cycles/year: submit as a single PDF to the Grants Committee Chair (blaine.schubert@ccvcaves.org) by 12:00 noon ET on FEBRUARY 15 (spring) or AUGUST 15 (fall). A separate Small Grant Program (up to $1,500) is also offered. Full guidelines PDF on site.