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

September 15, 2025 (Application deadline) | December 1, 2025 (Notification)

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

Supports ACS local section projects that advance inclusion and belonging within ACS and their communities.

Only one proposal per local section; required final report within 3 months of project completion.

--- ## Description The American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC) offers funding for projects that promote inclusion and belonging within ACS local sections and their broader communities. The grant is designed to encourage collaborative, innovative activities that foster participation, diversity, and a sense of belonging among local section members and community partners. Projects may include, but are not limited to: - Speaker series - Heritage days - Scholarship matching funds - Activities with Project SEED or ACS Scholars - Undergraduate research support - Outreach to underrepresented communities or schools - High school mentoring - Diversity professional development - Book clubs, seminar series, training, and workshops The LSAC welcomes a wide range of proposals and encourages creative approaches to advancing inclusion and belonging. --- ## Due Dates - **Application Deadline:** September 15, 2025 (by 11:59pm ET) - **Notification of Funding:** December 1, 2025 - **Project Completion:** Within 12 months of award date - **Final Report Due:** Within 3 months of project completion --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum Award:** Up to $3,000 per local section project - **Funding Period:** 12 months from award date **Budget Guidelines:** - Food expenses: ≤20% of total request - Venue rental: ≤25% of total request - ACS memberships/discounts: ≤25% of total request - Giveaways/merchandise: ≤25% of total request - Alcohol may be funded if central to the event (e.g., brewery tasting) - Honoraria, stipends, and pass-through donations are not allowed A detailed budget is required with the application. Use the [budget template](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx) for planning. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** ACS local sections (organizational applicants only) - **Limitations:** Only one proposal per local section per cycle - **Requirements:** - The local section must have submitted its most recent annual report - Any previous Inclusion and Belonging Grant must have a submitted final report - A letter of support from the current local section chair (or Executive Committee member if the chair is the project coordinator) is required - Letters of support from co-sponsors are required if partnering with other groups --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Application Materials:** - One-page information and summary sheet - Two-page project description (objectives, plan of action, line-item budget, evaluation plan) - Letter of support from local section chair (or Executive Committee member) - Letters of support from co-sponsors (if applicable) - Completed budget using the [budget template](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx) 2. **Submit Application:** - Complete the [online application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67) - Upload all required documents 3. **Review and Notification:** - Proposals are reviewed by LSAC - Notification of funding by December 1, 2025 4. **Reporting:** - Submit a [final report](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) within 3 months of project completion **Tip:** Use the [application templates](https://americanchemicalsociety-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/w_meruvia_acs_org/Ek3Y-5YEjmJDlL4XFlqGa-gBoHvTfjXIb34wbIeG-hr5Ug?e=hDhgfh) to pre-fill your responses before starting the online form. --- ## Additional Information - Only one application per local section is permitted per cycle. - Projects must be completed within 12 months of the award. - Funding is contingent on compliance with reporting requirements for previous grants. - For inspiration, see [recently funded projects](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-diversity-equity-inclusion-respect-grant/past-recipients.html). - For more on ACS’s commitment to inclusion and belonging, see [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.). --- ## External Links - [Funder Home Page](https://www.acs.org) - [Grant Program Page](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](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx) - [Application Templates](https://americanchemicalsociety-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/w_meruvia_acs_org/Ek3Y-5YEjmJDlL4XFlqGa-gBoHvTfjXIb34wbIeG-hr5Ug?e=hDhgfh) - [Final Report Submission](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) - [Past Recipients](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-diversity-equity-inclusion-respect-grant/past-recipients.html) - [LSAC Science Café & Inclusion and Belonging Webinar](https://vimeo.com/779646459/750eb4ce7f) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [lsac@acs.org](mailto:lsac@acs.org) | | Phone | +1 800-227-5558 | | Funder Address | 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA | | Funder Website | [https://www.acs.org](https://www.acs.org) | | General Contact Page | [https://www.acs.org/contact.html](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) |

Local Section Inclusion and Belonging Grant

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