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

June 30, 2026 | January 15, 2027 (Full application deadlines, biannual)

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

Supports ACS local sections in launching new, creative projects to strengthen section operations and engage their communities.

--- ## Description This grant encourages ACS local sections to design and implement innovative projects that are new to their section, with the goal of strengthening local operations and stimulating member involvement. Projects may be inspired by other ACS sections or organizations but must represent a novel activity for the applying section. Emphasis is placed on pilot projects that can evolve into ongoing programs or capitalize on unique opportunities within the local community. Initiatives that foster collaboration with other ACS entities or community groups, and those that promote inclusiveness and participation among diverse members or the general public, are especially encouraged. Applicants must ensure activities are safe, minimize risk, and are strategically planned for maximum positive impact. --- ## Due Dates - June 30, 2026: Full application submission deadline (by 11:59 PM ET) - January 15, 2027: Full application submission deadline (by 11:59 PM ET) Applications are accepted twice per year, and only one proposal per local section per year will be funded. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **$3,500 per project** - Only one funded proposal per local section per year (dating from last submission) - Funds are distributed by June 15 and October 15, following notification before June 1 and October 1 - Projects should be completed within 12 months of award ### Budget Restrictions - Food expenses: ≤ 20% of total budget - Venue rental: ≤ 25% of total budget - ACS memberships or discounts: ≤ 25% of total budget - Giveaways/merchandise: ≤ 25% of total budget - Alcohol may be funded if central to the event (e.g., brewery tasting) - Honoraria, stipends, or pass-through donations are **not** permitted - Retroactive funding/reimbursement for past activities is **not** allowed --- ## Eligibility - **Applicants:** Only ACS local sections are eligible. - **Approval:** Application must be submitted by a local section member and approved by the section chair or executive committee. - **Reporting:** Sections must have submitted their most recent annual report and any outstanding final reports for previous IPGs to be eligible. - **Frequency:** Only one IPG award per local section per year. --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Application Materials:** - One-page information and summary sheet - Two-page project description (objectives, action plan, line-item budget, evaluation plan) - Letter of support from section chair (or executive committee member if chair is project coordinator) - Letters of support from co-sponsors, if applicable 2. **Budget:** Use the [budget template](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx) to prepare your budget. 3. **Submission:** Complete and submit the [online application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67). 4. **Decision Notification:** Applicants will be notified before June 1 (for January deadline) or October 1 (for June deadline). 5. **Post-award:** Submit a final report within three months of project completion via the [final report form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f). --- ## Additional Information - Projects must be new to the local section but can be modeled after successful activities from other sections. - Activities should stimulate broad member involvement and, where possible, engage the wider community. - Safety is a priority—refer to the [ACS Safety in Outreach Settings Guide](https://www.acs.org/education/outreach/safety.html). - Frequently asked questions and examples of past funded projects are available for reference. --- ## External Links - [Program Page and Guidelines](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-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) - [FAQs](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/faqs.html) - [Safety in Outreach Settings](https://www.acs.org/education/outreach/safety.html) - [Past Funded Projects](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/past-recipients.html) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [help@services.acs.org](mailto:help@services.acs.org) | | ACS Office of Science Outreach | [outreach@acs.org](mailto:outreach@acs.org) | | Phone | +1 800-227-5558 | | Online Contact Form | [Contact ACS](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) |

Local Section Innovative Project Grant

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