NSS Grants To Support International Speleological Participation
Photo by Peter and Ann Bosted
Purpose
Grants are made in support of international speleological participation, as
administered by the NSS International Secretary. Review of written applications is made by a
3-person committee consisting of the International Secretary, the Chairman of the Research
Advisory Committee and the President of the National Speleological Society. The grants are
funded from the International Support Fund, which was created with the revenue remaining after
the Eighth International Congress of Speleology, hosted by the NSS in 1981 in Bowling Green,
Kentucky.
Application Information:
Please follow the outline below to apply for a grant available under the International
Participation Program of the National Speleological Society.
The selection criteria for a grant are:
1. Mutual benefit - the degree to which the project would be beneficial to both the NSS and
foreign speleology.
2. Durable linkages - the potential creation of continuing channels for the exchange of
speleological information and technique between the NSS and speleology in the participant's
country.
3. Speleological merit - the scientific benefit and value of the proposed project.
Provide the following information (as applicable) via email, fax or mail:
1. Name, address and telephone number of the principal applicant.
2. Speleological affiliation, position and qualifications of applicant.
3. Professional occupation.
4. Will the project be carried out in association with any institution, university,
organization or other agency? Describe.
5. Describe the proposed speleological project and its objectives.
6. Describe how the project will benefit the NSS (under the selection criteria above).
7. Will co-venturers accompany the principal applicant? List names, addresses and
affiliations.
8. Name, address, phone, and email of the NSS member who will accept principal
responsibility of the applicant and the project while in the US. Provide names of other NSS
members who are cooperating in this project.
9. Tentative itinerary, giving dates and places to be visited, together with contacts at
each location.
10. Does applicant agree to submit written report on the project to International Secretary
within 6 months of awarding of grant by NSS? A report on the results of the International
participation may be published in an NSS and/or International Congress of Speleology publication.
Sign (except email) and date the completed application.
Submit your grant application letter to:
John L. Moses
NSS International Secretary
3221 Mountain Walk Dr.
El Paso TX 79904
USA
email johnmoses@excite.com
fax 915-781-2339
Applicants will be advised of the decision of the selection committee.
Frequently Asked Questions About The International
Participation Grant Program:
Q: I want to go to Mexico on an exploration recon. Would a grant be available?
A: No, grants are not awarded to NSS members to fund their own caving activities.
Q: When may I apply for a grant?
A: Grant applications may be submitted anytime, but should be made well in advance of the need.
It usually takes several weeks to review an application, obtain a consensus of the grant
committee, and award the check.
Q: I met a speleologist from Cuba when I was visiting Mexico. Would a grant be available to
help fund her visit to the US?
A: It would depend on the purpose of the visit and whether or not it would generate benefit for
the NSS.
Q: How many dollars may I request?
A: Recent grants have been made for a few hundred dollars up to two thousand dollars. The grants
are not intended to fund all of the expenses incurred by any project. A grant may be issued as a
"challenge grant" (you have to find the rest of the funding to obtain the grant).
Q: I want to prepare a proposal to host the 2009 International Congress of Speleology in the USA.
Would a grant be available to prepare the bid?
A: How much do you need?
Recent Past International Participation Grant Awards:
2002
Polish Mountaineering Association, vertical/rescue training exchange
$2,000
2000
Chiquibol, Belize; international participation
1,000
1999
Dominican Republic bat survey; international participation
