National Speleological Society: Cave Acquisition Grants

The National Speleological Society (NSS) offers Cave Acquisition Grants to support the purchase or lease of caves and easements on cave properties. These grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, are awarded annually based on recommendations from the NSS Preserves Committee. The NSS aims to balance funding requests with preservation costs, encouraging conservation efforts through grants. Eligible organizations include non-profit cave conservancies and similar entities, prioritizing those with no previous funding from the NSS.

NOTE: Please e-mail the NSS Preserves Committee if you need more information.
The National Speleological Society (NSS) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the scientific study of caves and karst; protecting caves and their natural contents through conservation, ownership, stewardship, and public education; and promoting responsible cave exploration and fellowship among those interested in caves.
Criteria
To be considered for a grant award, applications must include adequate description of one or more of the following:
Grant requestor organization history and mission;Project purpose, mission alignment, benefit to cavers, threats to cave, etc.;Significance of the cave and property (biological, geological, historical, scientific, recreational); andProposed costs, timeline, stakeholders and access plan.
Funding
Awarded grants range from $500-$5,000 to ensure funding for as many applicants as possible.

Eligibility

Funds must be used only for the requested purpose and must be used before the end of the current fiscal year or returned to the NSS. Documented “out of pocket” expenses are permissible but must be thoroughly detailed in the request.

Ineligibility

No portion of a grant may be used to reimburse a member of the receiving organization for personal services or travel.