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Research Fund
The National Association for Cave Diving (NACD) plays a vital
role in the research, exploration, and protection of underwater caves around
the world. In addition to its educational and training programs, the NACD
strives to support the efforts of worthwhile exploration, research, and
documentation of underwater caves. To this end, the NACD will annually
consider funding a limited number of qualified applicants in an attempt to
offset the inhibiting cost of this essential process. The following guidelines
are utilized by the NACD board to evaluate applicants. In all situations the
NACD board reserves the right, at any time, to adjust the criteria by which an
applicant is evaluated.
The following information is to be used as a guideline for completing the
Funding Application, and will be considered the minimum information that must
be included in the application for funding and/or project status. Once
completed, the application should be submitted to the exploration chairperson
who will act as a liaison between the applicants’ project group and the NACD
Board of Directors. In addition, the applicant may be required to provide the
board with a formal presentation of the projects goals and expenditures. Any
information that can be made available to the board above and beyond these
general guidelines will serve to assist the decision making process. The
guidelines are as follows:
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NACD Membership Representation - A majority of the group
applying for an NACD grant must be part of the NACD organization's
membership.
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Disclosure of Funds - The applicant must agree that all
support issued by the NACD will be public record and available to all NACD
members. A short expense projection must accompany the funding application,
detailing what the funds are to be used for.
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Benefits to the NACD - The applicant should demonstrate that
the work being done will provide a measurable benefit to the NACD, as well
as the cave community, and should contribute to increased understanding,
appreciation, and conservation of the region in question.
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Qualifications of Applications - The applicants group should
illustrate their teams’ qualifications for the work to be done. In
situations where research will include outside assistance the applicant
should mention the individuals and/or groups that will assist in the
project.
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Financial Expenditures - All funds distributed by the NACD
should be used for consumable items. An itemized list of the items likely to
be consumed during the project’s duration must accompany the funding
application, as it will help facilitate the board's decision. In addition,
applicants should be prepared to submit an itemized list of expenditures as
the project progresses. Funding will be decided on an individual basis,
however the board may choose to release funds as reimbursement for expenses
incurred during a project's existence.
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Public Recognition of NACD Assistance - A public display of
the project's results is considered favorable and this public recognition
must include acknowledgment of the NACD for its role in the project's
effort. During the application process the applicant should mention any
medium by which the NACD should expect recognition.
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Representation of the NACD - The applicant and the project
members should represent the NACD favorably and public comments made about
the NACD should engender a positive feeling regarding cave diving in
general, and the NACD in particular.
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NACD Accessibility to Project Results - The NACD will retain
rights to the products of the project's efforts. For example, results from
any scientific tests, maps, pictures and video will be made available to the
NACD to be used as the board deems reasonable.
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Project Updates – Each year, and during the projects
duration, the applicant will present their findings at the Annual NACD
Workshop. The NACD reserves the right to determine whether a full
presentation is required, or just a short update. Additionally, the project
applicant will provide an ‘exclusive’ written article to the NACD to be used
in the NACD journal, or as the Board of Directors sees fit.
All final decisions regarding the disbursement of funds will be determined by
a majority vote of the board members. The board reserves the right to adjust
the amount and nature of the disbursement at any point during the project
duration. The board also reserves the right to cease and to desist all support
upon a majority vote of the board members.
The application and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Research
and Exploration Chair by January 1st to be considered for the following year's
funding. The Board will accept for review, the qualified project applications
at the January board meeting and vote on their outcome at the April board
meeting. All qualified project applications that are received by January 1 and
approved in April, will be funded within 30 days from the April board meeting.
The NACD Board of Directors reserves the right to approve or decline project
funding requests based on the on the current liquidity or solvency of the
Research and Exploration Fund.
Questions and/or Applications should be submitted to:
NACD
Alex Warren – Chairperson
Research, Exploration and Funding
PO Box 14492
Gainesville FL 32604
888-565-NACD
exploration@safecavediving.com
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