Funding opportunities
Grants, fellowships, and awards in cave and karst science
Grants, fellowships, and awards relevant to cave and karst science. Nothing here has closed: listings are removed automatically the day after their deadline.
Looking for something else? See employment opportunities (2 open).
7 open listings. Know of one that is missing? Post it here.
7 listings
Funding opportunities
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Bat Conservation International requests proposals through BCI's online application system from exceptionally talented graduate student researchers interested in seeking financial support for their bat conservation research projects. We are seeking research proposals relevant to conservation on the following categories: Category #1: The project contributes to the understanding of the effects of human-caused environmental changes, such as land use and climate change, as threats to global bat biodiversity, including projects focusing on habitat destruction or degradation, wind energy development, pollution, impacts from drought or extreme weather, invasive species, etc. Category #2: The project contributes to the understanding of bat/human conflicts, such as persecution, hunting, disturbance, etc. Category #3: The project will answer ecological or behavioral questions essential to the conservation of one or more bat species currently listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, or Data Deficient by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (www.iucnredlist.org) or officially recognized on a national list of species of concern. From the awardees, we will recognize outstanding students for the following honors, awards, and special recognition: HONORS • Verne & Marion Read Bat Conservation Honor: an annual award to a student who inspires education and community action to protect bats around the world and address critical conservation needs. • Thomas H. Kunz Innovation in Bat Research Honor: BCI offers a Distinct Honor to recognize the many contributions of Dr. Tom Kunz to the field of bat ecology and conservation. Dr. Thomas H Kunz dedicated his productive career to ecology and conservation of bats and inspired, mentored, and encouraged a generation of scientists around the world to pursue the study and conservation of bat species. The Thomas H Kunz Bat Conservation Honor will be awarded to a student scholar applicant whose proposed research project uses innovative approaches to bat conservation research. AWARDS • Women in Science Award: to a student identifying as a woman who demonstrates a commitment to advancing women in science, which can be demonstrated through an initiative to support other women in science or their own personal development. Eligibility is restricted to women from the Global South. This recognition comes with additional support for the woman's professional development or proposed initiative up to $500 USD. • Equitable Conservation Award: to a student(s) who includes a component in their proposal to promote and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of conservation science. This award may come with additional support for the proposed program, up to $500 USD. SPECIAL RECOGNITION • Conservation Evidence Special Recognition: a badge and recognition added to any Student Scholar who plans to test or implement a conservation intervention or action. Need help with your application or have questions? Feel free to email scholarship@batcon.org and join our BCI Scholars Slack workspace for support on your application and connect with other bat conservationists around the world! This is a space where you can get help with editing, study design, general advice on your research proposal, or any other questions you might have.
Closes 30 October 2026 Graduate
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A one-time $3,000 award for master's students in karst science. Open to any student enrolled in, or accepted into, a master's program at a US institution. Established in memory of William L. Wilson, a karst consultant who worked on groundwater problems in Florida and elsewhere.
Closes 15 February 2027 Graduate Announced each autumn/winter, closes 15 February
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Supports graduate research toward a master's or doctorate in cave and karst studies. Any field of the earth, natural, or social sciences qualifies provided the work addresses caves or karst. Four to six grants are awarded each year.
Closes 1 March 2027 Graduate Announced each winter, closes 1 March
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Two fellowships awarded annually for cave-related thesis research. Open to NSS members pursuing graduate studies anywhere in the world. Requires a project description of seven pages or fewer, a resume with NSS number, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a budget.
Closes 15 March 2027 Graduate Awarded annually, closes 15 March
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Supports dissertation research on caves and karst in any field. Research may be conducted anywhere in the world, but applicants must be full-time students at a US college or university. Requires a letter of intent, a proposal of 5,000 words or fewer, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
Closes 1 June 2027 Graduate Announced each spring, closes 1 June
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Supports thesis research on caves and karst in any field. Research may be conducted anywhere in the world, but applicants must be full-time students at a US college or university. Requires a letter of intent, a proposal of 5,000 words or fewer, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
Closes 1 June 2027 Graduate Announced each spring, closes 1 June
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Supports undergraduate research on caves and karst in any field. Research may be conducted anywhere in the world, but applicants must be full-time students at a US college or university. Requires a letter of intent, a proposal of 5,000 words or fewer, transcripts, and a letter from the faculty advisor.
Closes 1 June 2027 Undergraduate Announced each spring, closes 1 June
Post a listing
We post opportunities relevant to cave and karst science: subterranean biology, hydrology, geology, conservation, and management. There is no charge, and we do not carry commercial advertising.
Listings are checked before they appear, usually within a couple of days, and are removed automatically on their closing date.