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

September 15, 2026

Up to $3,000 per project; projects must be completed within 12 months of award.

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

Only one proposal per local section; prior final reports required for eligibility.

--- ## Description This grant, administered by the ACS Committee on Local Section Activities, funds local section-led projects and programs that foster inclusion and belonging within ACS and local communities. The goal is to support creative initiatives that promote interaction, inclusiveness, and participation at the local level. Eligible activities include speaker series, heritage days, scholarship matching, outreach, mentoring, professional development, book clubs, seminars, and workshops. The grant encourages collaboration with other ACS entities, professional associations, or community groups. --- ## Due Dates - September 15, 2026: Full application deadline All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $3,000 per project - Projects must be completed within 12 months of the award date. - Only one proposal per local section may be submitted per cycle. Budget guidelines: - Food expenses: ≤20% of total request - Venue rental: ≤25% - ACS memberships and giveaways: ≤25% each - Alcohol may be funded if central to the event - Honoraria, stipends, monetary awards, and pass-through donations are not allowed --- ## Eligibility - Only ACS local sections are eligible to apply. - The local section must have submitted its most recent annual report. - Any previous Inclusion and Belonging Grant must have a submitted final report before new funding is awarded. - Only one application per local section per cycle. - Projects should directly advance inclusion and belonging within the local section and/or its community. --- ## Application Process 1. Complete the [application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67) by the deadline. 2. Prepare required documents: - One-page information and summary sheet - Two-page project description (objectives, plan, budget, evaluation) - Letter/email of support from the section chair (or Executive Committee member if the chair is the coordinator) - Letters/emails of support from any co-sponsors, if applicable 3. Use the [budget template](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx) to outline expenses. 4. Award notifications are typically sent in December. 5. Funded projects must submit a [final report](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) within three months of project completion. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should prioritize fostering inclusiveness and participation within the local section. - Collaboration with other ACS units or community groups is encouraged. - For inspiration, see [recently funded projects](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-diversity-equity-inclusion-respect-grant/past-recipients.html). - A short [tutorial on the application process](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b44411e491f94cb1a92b9bf635be908b) is available. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Full Guidelines](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) - [Past Recipients](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-diversity-equity-inclusion-respect-grant/past-recipients.html) - [ACS Local Section Funding Overview](https://www.acs.org/funding/local-sections.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |-------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Email | [lsac@acs.org](mailto:lsac@acs.org) | | ACS General Contact | [help@services.acs.org](mailto:help@services.acs.org) | | Phone | +1 800-227-5558 | | Funder Website | [https://www.acs.org](https://www.acs.org) |

Local Section Inclusion and Belonging Grant

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