Natural Stone Foundation Makes 2026 Grants
OBERLIN, Ohio — The Natural Stone Foundation (NSF) awarded $150,000 in grants for its 2026 funding cycle. The foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Natural Stone Institute (NSI).
The grants support four initiatives focused on advancing industry standards and expanding educational opportunities within the natural stone industry. They reflect the NSF’s commitment to funding initiatives that address industry-wide needs.
This year’s grants focus on two of the NSF’s strategic priorities: standards development and educational initiatives.
The foundation has awarded the Natural Stone Institute $30,000 to support its leadership in developing international standards for natural stone through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The money will help cover costs associated with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which serves as secretariat for the committee and provides an important opportunity for the natural stone industry to be represented in international standards development.
The remaining $120,000 has been split into three separate awards, with the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center being granted $25,000 to expand its academic partnerships and develop customized curricula tailored to the natural stone industry.
Made up of more than 30 professional artists and instructors, the Carving Studio will serve as an educational destination for NSI members while cultivating the next generation of natural stone professionals.
NSI has been awarded $75,000 to support its collaboration with Environmental Health & Engineering on strategy development and key presentations to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). Specifically, the initiative will help educate regulators on the differences between natural and engineered stone.
An additional $20,000 has been awarded to the NSI to update its silica training program, specifically supporting the development of two new continuing education courses for companies that have already completed the two-year Silica and Safe Slab Handling certificate program.
Nick Dorsey, Natural Stone Foundation director of fundraising and development, stated that none of the grants would be possible without the generosity of its donors, who continue to invest in the future of the natural stone industry.
“Their support allows us to fund meaningful initiatives that address industry needs, and we’re proud to support the people and organizations that bring these projects to life,” he said.
