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

May 31, 2026 (LS-MEET grant application deadline)

Up to $2,000 per project; one-year project period.

Supports ACS Local Sections in building community and member engagement through local events, programming, and technology.

--- ## Description The Local Section Member Engagement and EnhancemenT (LS-MEET) grant is designed to strengthen and build community within the Local Sections of the American Chemical Society (ACS). This grant supports projects that enhance recruitment, attract new members, and foster stronger connections among chemists at the local level. Funding can be used for organizing targeted events, ongoing programming, and for purchasing technology or materials to support member engagement. The program encourages innovative uses of technology and seeks to reach demographics that are less involved in local sections, such as schoolteachers and industrial chemists. Additionally, LS-MEET supports the creation of new events that complement existing programming, providing fresh opportunities for members to connect and collaborate. --- ## Due Dates - May 31, 2026: LS-MEET grant application deadline (applications due by 11:59 pm ET) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $2,000 per project. - Typical duration: Projects are expected to be completed within one year of funding. - Funds may be used for events, programming, technology, or materials to enhance member engagement. **Budget restrictions:** - Food expenses: ≤ 20% of total request. - Venue rental: ≤ 25% of total request. - ACS memberships or discounts: ≤ 25% of total request (should target select new members). - Giveaways/merchandise: ≤ 25% of total request. - Alcohol may be funded if central to the event (e.g., brewery tasting). - Honoraria, stipends, and pass-through donations (e.g., gifts to other organizations) are not allowed. --- ## Eligibility - Only ACS Local Sections are eligible to apply. - The application must be submitted by the Local Section Chair or, if the Chair is the project coordinator, another member of the Executive Committee. - Projects should focus on building engagement within the local section or increasing membership, especially among underrepresented groups (e.g., schoolteachers, industrial chemists). --- ## Application Process - Complete the [LS-MEET application form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67) by the deadline. - Required documents: - Project description (objectives, plan of action, evaluation plan) - Detailed budget (use the [budget template](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/grants/local-sections/budget-template-grants.xlsx)) - Letter or email of support from the current Local Section Chair (or Executive Committee member if the Chair is the project coordinator) - Letters/emails of support from co-sponsoring sections/divisions/committees, if applicable - Applicants are encouraged to review the [application tutorial](https://american-chemical-society.zoom.com/rec/share/wyIm6TBvF8KryC2QAw_r2EqWkUb0XN4cXtMWXaJNsKJ8HIGflQee1xmPoRkaQoIy.VzofHxc6cUjbWuGk) for guidance. - A final report is required within 12 months after receipt of funding. --- ## Additional Information - Projects that include innovative uses of technology to connect members are encouraged. - The application should clearly identify the target demographic and explain how the project aligns with local section goals. - Funding decisions are typically announced in July. - Details of funded projects may be shared by ACS on their website and social media for broader impact. --- ## External Links - [ACS LS-MEET Grant Program Page](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/local-section-mett-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) - [Application Tutorial (Video)](https://american-chemical-society.zoom.com/rec/share/wyIm6TBvF8KryC2QAw_r2EqWkUb0XN4cXtMWXaJNsKJ8HIGflQee1xmPoRkaQoIy.VzofHxc6cUjbWuGk) - [ACS Local Section Funding & Awards Overview](https://www.acs.org/funding/local-sections.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |------------------------|------------------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC) | lsac@acs.org | +1 800-227-5558 | [ACS Contact Page](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) | ---

Local Section Member Engagement and EnhancemenT (LS-MEET)

Sign in to see full grant listing