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

September 15, 2026 (Application deadline)

Up to $3,000 per project; funding is for 12 months following award notification.

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

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

--- ## Description The Local Section Inclusion and Belonging Grant, sponsored by the ACS Committee on Local Section Activities, provides up to $3,000 for American Chemical Society (ACS) local sections to develop and implement projects that foster inclusion, belonging, and community engagement. The grant encourages a wide variety of activities, including speaker series, heritage days, outreach to underrepresented communities, mentoring, professional development, book clubs, and workshops. Each local section is encouraged to creatively interpret and address the theme of inclusion and belonging, with the goal of enhancing participation and diversity within the chemical sciences community. --- ## Due Dates - September 15, 2026: Application deadline All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $3,000 per project - Project duration: Funded 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% of total request - ACS memberships/giveaways: ≤ 25% of total request each - Alcohol may be funded if central to the event (e.g., brewery tasting) - Honoraria, stipends, and pass-through donations are not allowed --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be ACS local sections. - Each local section may submit only one proposal per cycle. - The 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. - Projects must align with advancing inclusion and belonging in chemistry and the local community. --- ## Application Process 1. Review the [program guidelines and budget template](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx). 2. Prepare: - A one-page summary sheet - A two-page project description (objectives, action plan, line-item budget, evaluation plan) - Letter/email of support from the current local section chair (or from an Executive Committee member if the chair is the project coordinator) - Letters/emails of support from any co-sponsoring groups, if applicable 3. Complete the [online application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67) and upload all required documents. 4. Applications are reviewed by the ACS Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC); notifications are sent in December. 5. A [final report](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) (including budget and project impact) is required within three months of project completion. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should encourage interaction with other ACS units, professional associations, or community groups. - Funded activities are expected to foster inclusiveness and participation within the local section. - For program inspiration, see the [list of past recipients](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-diversity-equity-inclusion-respect-grant/past-recipients.html). - See the [short tutorial on the application process](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b44411e491f94cb1a92b9bf635be908b). --- ## External Links - [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) - [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 Inclusion and Belonging Core Value](https://www.acs.org/about/inclusion.html) - [Application Tutorial](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b44411e491f94cb1a92b9bf635be908b) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |------------------------|------------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | ACS LSAC Grants Team | 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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