It was formed in 1991 by a group of southeastern United States cavers.
The SCCi is an institutional member of the National Speleological Society.
According to its Articles of Incorporation, the organization's purpose is "to acquire and manage caves for scientific study, education of those persons interested in speleology, and conservation of these resources".
The SCCi is particularly interested in caves that are threatened with closure or destruction or those that provide a habitat for endangered species such as the gray bat, Tennessee cave salamander, and Hart's-tongue fern.
Caves and preserves owned or leased by the organization are listed below.