[American Chemical Society](https://www.acs.org)

September 15, 2026

Up to $3,000 per project; funding is typically for a 12-month project period.

Supports ACS local section projects that advance inclusion, belonging, and community engagement.

--- ## Description The Local Section Inclusion and Belonging Grant, administered by the ACS Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC), provides funding to ACS local sections for projects and programs that promote inclusion, belonging, and community engagement. The grant is designed to foster interaction with other ACS entities, professional associations, or community groups, and to encourage creative initiatives that interpret and advance inclusiveness in diverse ways. Example activities include: - Speaker series - Heritage days - Scholarship matching - Outreach to underrepresented communities or schools - Mentoring and professional development - Book clubs, seminars, and workshops Projects should be completed within 12 months of the award date, and successful applicants are expected to submit a final report detailing the use of funds and project impact. --- ## Due Dates - September 15, 2026: Full application deadline Proposals are reviewed after the deadline, and notifications are typically sent in December. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum funding: **Up to $3,000 per project** - Funding is intended to cover project expenses for up to 12 months. - Only one proposal per local section may be submitted per cycle. **Budget guidelines:** - Food expenses: ≤20% of total request - Venue rental: ≤25% - ACS memberships/discounts: ≤25% - Giveaways (ACS merchandise): ≤25% - Alcohol may be funded if central to the event (e.g., brewery tasting) - Honoraria, stipends, monetary awards, and pass-through donations are not allowed --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** ACS local sections (only one proposal per section per cycle) - The section must have: - Submitted its most recent annual report - Submitted a final report for any previous Inclusion and Belonging Grant, if applicable - Projects must align with the grant’s goal of advancing inclusion and belonging within ACS and the broader community --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Required Documents:** - Information and summary sheet (1 page) - Full project description (objectives, plan, line-item budget, evaluation plan; max 2 pages) - Letter/email of support from current local section chair (or Executive Committee member if the chair is project coordinator) - Letters/emails of support from co-sponsors (if applicable) - [Budget template](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx) (use for planning) 2. **Submit Application:** - Use the [online application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67) - Applications must be completed in one sitting; work is not auto-saved 3. **Review and Notification:** - Applications are reviewed by LSAC - Award notifications sent in December 4. **Reporting:** - Complete the project within 12 months of award - Submit a [final report](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) within 3 months of project completion --- ## Additional Information - Only one grant application per local section per cycle will be considered. - Projects should demonstrate clear alignment with the goals of inclusion and belonging. - Review the [ACS core value of Inclusion and Belonging](https://www.acs.org/about/inclusion.html#:~:text=Advancing%20ACS'%20Core%20Value%20of%20Inclusion%20and%20Belonging,as%20a%20global%2C%20multidisciplinary%20science.) for inspiration and context. - [Recently funded projects](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-diversity-equity-inclusion-respect-grant/past-recipients.html) are available for reference. --- ## External Links - [Program page and detailed description](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-diversity-equity-inclusion-respect-grant.html) - [Application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67) - [Budget template (XLSX)](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx) - [Final report form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) - [ACS core value: Inclusion and Belonging](https://www.acs.org/about/inclusion.html) - [Past recipients and project ideas](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-diversity-equity-inclusion-respect-grant/past-recipients.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Email | lsac@acs.org | | ACS Contact Center | help@services.acs.org / +1 800-227-5558 | | Program Webpage | [ACS Local Section Inclusion and Belonging Grant](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-diversity-equity-inclusion-respect-grant.html) | | Physical Address | 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA | ---

Local Section Inclusion and Belonging Grant - American Chemical Society

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