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

January 15, 2026 (Full application, January cycle) | June 30, 2026 (Full application, June cycle)

Up to $3,500 per project; one award per local section per year; project period up to 12 months.

Supports ACS local sections to develop and implement creative projects that enhance operations, member engagement, and inclusiveness.

--- ## Description This grant encourages American Chemical Society (ACS) local sections to design and implement innovative projects that strengthen their section’s operations, foster member involvement, and promote inclusiveness. Projects should be new to the local section but can be inspired by activities from other sections or organizations. The initiative supports pilot projects for ongoing activities or unique opportunities, with a special emphasis on collaboration (with other ACS entities or community groups) and broad participation among diverse members or the public. Applicants must prioritize safety, select low-risk activities, and avoid high-risk elements in their project plans. --- ## Due Dates - January 15, 2026: Full application deadline (January cycle) — submissions due by 11:59 PM ET - June 30, 2026: Full application deadline (June cycle) — submissions due by 11:59 PM ET Applicants are notified of funding decisions before June 1 (January cycle) and October 1 (June cycle); funds are distributed by June 15 and October 15, respectively. Only one proposal per local section per year is funded, dating from the last submission date. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **$3,500** per project - Only one award per local section per year - Project duration: up to 12 months from award date - Funds are distributed following notification and must be used for the proposed project within the project period ### Budget Restrictions - Food expenses: ≤ 20% of total requested funds - Venue rental: ≤ 25% of requested funds - ACS memberships/discounts: ≤ 25% of budget; intended for select new members - Giveaways/ACS merchandise: ≤ 25% of budget - Alcohol: fundable only if central to the event (e.g., brewery tasting) - Honoraria, stipends, and pass-through donations: **not allowed** - No retroactive funding or reimbursement for completed activities --- ## Eligibility - Only ACS local sections are eligible to apply - Applications must be submitted by a local section member with approval from the section chair or executive committee - The section must have submitted its most recent annual report and all final reports for previous IPGs - Projects must be new to the local section and should stimulate member involvement - Collaboration with other ACS groups or community organizations is encouraged --- ## Application Process - Complete the [online application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67) - Required documents: - Information and summary sheet (1 page) - Full project description (objectives, plan of action, line-item budget, evaluation plan; max 2 pages) - 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 organizations, 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 - Review the [tutorial video](https://american-chemical-society.zoom.com/rec/share/wyIm6TBvF8KryC2QAw_r2EqWkUb0XN4cXtMWXaJNsKJ8HIGflQee1xmPoRkaQoIy.VzofHxc6cUjbWuGk) for guidance on the application system --- ## Additional Information - Funded projects must submit a [final report](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) within three months of project completion - Projects must adhere to ACS safety guidelines; see the [Safety in Outreach Settings Guide](https://www.acs.org/education/outreach/safety.html) - Local sections are encouraged to review [frequently asked questions](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/faqs.html) and [recently funded projects](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/past-recipients.html) for inspiration and best practices --- ## External Links - [Program page and guidelines](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant.html) - [Application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67) - [Budget template (Excel)](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx) - [Safety in Outreach Settings Guide](https://www.acs.org/education/outreach/safety.html) - [FAQs](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/faqs.html) - [List of past recipients](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/past-recipients.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [help@services.acs.org](mailto:help@services.acs.org) | | Phone | +1 800-227-5558 | | Funder Website | [https://www.acs.org](https://www.acs.org) | | Grant Program Page | [https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant.html](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant.html) |

Local Section Innovative Project Grant

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