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

June 30, 2026 | January 15, 2027

Up to $3,500 per project; one funded proposal per local section per year; project duration up to 12 months.

Supports ACS local sections in launching innovative projects that enhance section operations, member engagement, and community impact.

Only ACS local sections may apply; application must include section chair or executive committee approval.

--- ## Description This grant program encourages ACS local sections to develop and implement creative, innovative projects that strengthen their operations and increase their impact within their communities. Projects should be new to the local section, stimulate member engagement, and ideally foster collaboration with other ACS entities or community groups. The grant aims to pilot new activities that can become ongoing programs or leverage unique opportunities, with a strong emphasis on inclusiveness, safety, and strategic planning. --- ## Due Dates - June 30, 2026: Full application deadline (submissions due by 11:59 PM ET) - January 15, 2027: Full application deadline (submissions due by 11:59 PM ET) These deadlines recur annually (June 30 and January 15). --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **$3,500 per project** - Only one proposal per local section will be funded per year (measured from the last submission date). - Project duration: up to 12 months from award date. - Funds are distributed by June 15 and October 15 following notification. Budget restrictions include: - Food expenses: ≤20% of total requested funds - Venue rental: ≤25% of total requested funds - ACS memberships/giveaways: ≤25% of total requested funds each - Alcohol may be funded if central to the event - Honoraria, stipends, and pass-through donations are not allowed --- ## Eligibility - **Applicants:** Only ACS local sections are eligible. - **Application must be submitted by a local section member** with approval from the section chair or executive committee. - Sections must have submitted their most recent annual report and any required final reports from previous IPGs to be eligible. - Only one proposal per local section per year is funded. --- ## Application Process - Complete the [online application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67). - Required documents: - Information and summary sheet (one page) - Full project description (objectives, action plan, line-item budget, evaluation plan; two pages max) - Letter/email of support from the current section chair (or executive committee member if chair is project coordinator) - Letters/emails of support from co-sponsoring groups, if applicable - Use the [budget template](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx) to prepare your budget. - Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on the deadline date. - Only one funded application per local section per year. - Final report required within three months of project completion. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must prioritize safety by selecting low-risk activities and eliminating high-risk ones, following [ACS safety guidelines](https://www.acs.org/education/outreach/safety.html). - Proposals must show clear objectives, a detailed plan, and a thoughtful budget. - Local sections are encouraged to review [previously funded projects](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/past-recipients.html) for inspiration. - Funds cannot be used for retroactive reimbursement of completed activities. - Funding decisions are communicated before June 1 and October 1. --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Guidelines](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant.html) - [Application Portal](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) - [Safety in Outreach Settings](https://www.acs.org/education/outreach/safety.html) - [FAQ](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/faqs.html) - [Previously Funded Projects](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/past-recipients.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [help@services.acs.org](mailto:help@services.acs.org) | | Phone | +1 800-227-5558 | | ACS Office of Science Outreach | [outreach@acs.org](mailto:outreach@acs.org) | | Contact Page | [https://www.acs.org/contact.html](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) | ---

Local Section Innovative Project Grant

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