Annual Small Grant

NRMG Annual Small Grant

Money for the workthat makes caving better.

Up to $500 a year for active NRMG members doing cave research, conservation, or education — anywhere in the world. We’ve funded survey in the Grand Canyon, restoration in Tongue River Cave, and graffiti documentation across Montana.

Applications due April 15

$500

Typical max award

Apr 15

Annual deadline

7+

Past funded projects

Members

Eligibility

What it funds

Three kinds of work, one fund

The grant supports active projects led by NRMG members at the local, national, or international level.

🔬

Research

Survey, geochemistry, biology, hydrology — original work that produces data the caving and scientific community can use.

🛡️

Conservation

Restoration, gating, graffiti removal, monitoring — direct action that protects caves and the things that live in them.

📣

Education & Outreach

Publications, presentations, programs — work that grows public understanding of caves and karst.

Are you eligible?

  1. You’re a current NRMG member with dues paid at the time you apply.
  2. Your project advances cave research, conservation, or education.
  3. You’re applying on your own behalf — not on behalf of someone else.
  4. NSS membership is preferred (not required).

What the money can cover

Eligible & non-eligible expenses

✓ Yes — fundable

  • Travel, meals, and lodging directly tied to the project
  • Project-only consumables: scrub brushes, flagging, pencils, handlines fixed in a cave
  • Printing for outreach materials or research publications

✕ No — out of scope

  • Wages or stipends
  • Durable personal gear (helmets, lights, ropes you keep after)
  • Anything not directly tied to the project

How to apply

Three steps, one form

1

Write up the project

Cover objectives, methods, and how the work benefits caving research, exploration, or outreach.

2

Build a clean budget

Itemize how you’ll spend the funds. The clearer the budget, the easier the review.

3

Submit by April 15

Log in as a member and use the application form linked below. Officers review and notify by email.

PDF Example application 1 PDF Example application 2

How proposals are scored

Selection criteria

Officers rate each application 0–5 points per check mark across three categories.

Project & Resources

  • Active NRMG member (verified by Secretary)
  • Track record & realistic objectives
  • Budget appropriate to scope
  • Cooperation with agencies, schools, or other grottos

Project Merit

  • Generates data or support for cave conservation
  • Direct conservation, appreciation, or scientific value
  • Addresses a clear, evident need
  • Distinctive, imaginative, lasting beyond the grant year

Methods

  • Purpose & methods clearly described
  • Procedures appropriate to the problem
  • Safety addressed; minimal cave impact
  • Plan for sharing results (Trip Report on NRMG.org + others)

Previously funded

Where the money has gone

Hypogene Speleogenesis · Grand Canyon Silvertip Karst Geochemistry Prince of Wales & Kosciusko Island Tongue River Cave Restoration Resurvey of Santo Tomas, Cuba 2019 Tears of the Turtle Expedition Bigfork Cave Club: Graffiti in Montana

Ready to apply?

The application form is members-only. Log in with your NRMG member account to see the link. Questions? Email nrmgadmin@nrmg.org.