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

September 15, 2026

Up to $3,000 per project; one-year project period

Supports ACS local section projects that advance inclusion, belonging, and community engagement through diverse programs and activities.

Only one proposal per local section; recent annual and final reports must be submitted to be eligible.

--- ## Description The Local Section Inclusion and Belonging Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC), provides funding for projects that promote inclusion and belonging within ACS local sections and their surrounding communities. The grant encourages a broad range of activities—such as speaker series, heritage days, outreach to underrepresented groups, professional development, mentoring, and collaborative events—that foster participation, engagement, and interaction among ACS sections, divisions, committees, and local community organizations. Each local section is encouraged to interpret and address inclusion and belonging in their own unique way, and creative, diverse proposals are welcomed. --- ## Due Dates - September 15, 2026: Application deadline Proposals are reviewed after the deadline, with notifications typically sent in December. Funded projects should be completed within 12 months of the award date, and a final report is required within three months of project completion. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $3,000 per project - Funding covers a one-year project period - Only one proposal per local section may be submitted per cycle Budget guidelines include: - Food expenses: ≤20% of total requested amount - Venue rental: ≤25% of total requested amount - ACS memberships/discounts: ≤25% of total budget - Giveaways/merchandise: ≤25% of total request - Alcohol may be funded if central to the event (e.g., brewery tasting) - Honoraria, stipends, or monetary awards, and pass-through donations are not permitted --- ## Eligibility - Only ACS local sections are eligible to apply. - The section must have submitted its most recent annual report. - Any previous Inclusion and Belonging Grant recipients must have submitted a final report to be eligible for new funding. - Only one proposal per local section per cycle is allowed. - Projects must align with the goal of advancing inclusion and belonging within the section or its community. --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Application Materials:** - Information and summary sheet (one page) - Full project description (objectives, action plan, line-item budget, evaluation plan; two pages max) - Letter or email of support from the current section chair (or Executive Committee member if the Chair is Project Coordinator) - Letters/emails of support from co-sponsoring organizations, if applicable 2. **Budget Preparation:** - Use the [budget template](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx) to plan your budget in accordance with ACS guidelines. 3. **Submission:** - Complete the [online application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67). - Ensure all required documents are uploaded before submitting. 4. **Post-Award Requirements:** - Complete the project within 12 months of award. - Submit a [final report](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) within three months of project completion, detailing outcomes, expenditures, and impact. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals are reviewed by the ACS Committee on Local Section Activities. - Projects should foster interaction with other ACS entities or community groups. - For inspiration, see [recently funded projects](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-diversity-equity-inclusion-respect-grant/past-recipients.html). - Related ACS funding opportunities include the [Local Section Innovative Project Grant](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant.html) and [Science Café Mini-Grant](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/science-cafe-mini-grant.html). --- ## External Links - [Grant Program Page (ACS)](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) - [Recently Funded Projects](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-diversity-equity-inclusion-respect-grant/past-recipients.html) - [ACS Core Value: Inclusion and Belonging](https://www.acs.org/about/inclusion.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web Contact Form | |--------------------|----------------------------|------------------|-----------------------------------------| | ACS LSAC Grants | lsac@acs.org | +1 800-227-5558 | [Contact ACS](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) |

Local Section Inclusion and Belonging Grant

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