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

January 15, 2025 | June 30, 2025

Up to $3,500 per project; one award per local section per year

Supports ACS local sections to pilot innovative projects that strengthen operations, engage members, and foster community partnerships.

Only new projects (not previously funded or implemented by the section) are eligible; strong emphasis on safety and inclusiveness.

--- ## Description The American Chemical Society (ACS) Local Section Innovative Project Grant (IPG) is designed to help ACS local sections develop and implement creative, new initiatives that enhance their functioning and community engagement. Projects must be new to the local section (though they may be inspired by other sections or organizations) and should aim to stimulate member involvement, foster inclusiveness, and encourage collaboration with other ACS groups or community organizations. The program especially supports pilot projects that may lead to ongoing activities or capitalize on unique local opportunities. All proposed activities must prioritize safety and risk management. --- ## Due Dates - January 15, 2025 (Spring cycle) - June 30, 2025 (Fall cycle) Applications are accepted twice per year, and proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on the deadline date. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $3,500 per project - Only one proposal per local section will be funded per year (based on last submission date) - Funds are distributed by June 15 (Spring cycle) and October 15 (Fall cycle) - Project must be completed within 12 months of award --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be ACS local sections in good standing (most recent annual report and previous IPG final reports submitted) - Projects must be new to the local section (not previously funded or implemented) - Proposals must include a letter of support from the current local section chair (or Executive Committee member if the chair is the project coordinator) - If partnering with other sections, divisions, or organizations, letters of support from co-sponsors are required - Only one IPG may be awarded per local section per year --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Proposal:** - Information and summary sheet (one page) - Full project description, including objectives, plan of action, line-item budget, and evaluation plan (max two pages) - Letters of support (see eligibility) - Use the [budget template](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx) 2. **Submit Application:** - Complete the [online application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67) - Upload required documents (support letters, budget) - If not uploading support letters, email them to lsac@acs.org by the deadline 3. **Review & Notification:** - Proposals are reviewed by the ACS Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC) - Notifications sent before June 1 and October 1 4. **Reporting:** - Submit a final report within three months of project completion using the [final report form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) --- ## Additional Information - **Budget Guidelines:** - Food expenses: ≤20% of total request - Venue rental: ≤25% of total request - Giveaways/ACS merchandise: ≤25% of total request - Memberships/discounts: ≤25% of total request; only for select new members - Honoraria/stipends and pass-through donations are not allowed - Alcohol can be funded only if central to the event (e.g., brewery tasting) - **Project Requirements:** - Must identify and eliminate high-risk activities - Must promote a culture of safety per [ACS safety guidelines](https://www.acs.org/education/outreach/safety.html) - **Evaluation:** A clear plan for measuring success (e.g., surveys) and using results for future planning is required - **Past Projects:** See [recently funded IPGs](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/past-recipients.html) for inspiration --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Instructions](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant.html) - [Online 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) - [FAQs](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/faqs.html) - [Final Report Submission](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) - [ACS Safety Guidelines](https://www.acs.org/education/outreach/safety.html) - [List of Past Recipients](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-innovative-project-grant/past-recipients.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | More Info | |------------------------|------------------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------| | ACS Local Section Activities Committee (LSAC) | lsac@acs.org | 202-872-4565 | [Contact ACS](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) | | ACS General Support | help@services.acs.org | 800-227-5558 | [ACS Home](https://www.acs.org) |

Local Section Innovative Project Grant

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