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

September 30, 2026

$500 per mini-grant; one-time award per cycle

Supports ACS local sections in hosting informal community events to promote scientific literacy and dialogue on current scientific topics.

Previous recipients must submit a summary report before reapplying.

--- ## Description The Science Café Mini-Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Local Section Activities, provides $500 mini-grants to ACS local sections aiming to host Science Café events. These events are designed to foster open dialogue between scientists and nonscientists in informal settings, promoting scientific literacy and community engagement on timely scientific issues. The grant supports event planning, venue costs, speaker expenses, and promotional activities. Resources and guidance are available to help organizers create impactful and accessible Science Cafés. --- ## Due Dates - September 30, 2026: Science Café Mini-Grant application deadline All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - $500 per mini-grant - Typically awarded as a one-time grant per cycle to each local section --- ## Eligibility - Only ACS local sections are eligible to apply. - Applicants must be the local section chair or have a letter of support from the chair (if not the chair, another executive committee member must sign). - Previous recipients must submit a summary report for their last Science Café before reapplying. - Only one grant per local section per cycle. --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Application Materials:** - Complete the online application form. - Obtain a signed letter of support from the local section chair (or executive committee member if the chair is the applicant). - Prepare a budget for the proposed event. 2. **Submission:** - Apply via the [official ACS application portal](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67). - Ensure all required documents (letter of support, budget) are uploaded. 3. **Reporting Requirement:** - If previously funded, submit a [summary report](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) before reapplying. 4. **Review and Notification:** - Applications are reviewed after the deadline. - Awardees are notified by ACS. --- ## Additional Information - Science Cafés may cover any topic of interest to the general public, such as climate change, food chemistry, nanotechnology, or recent scientific discoveries. - Events are typically held in informal venues like coffee shops, restaurants, or bookstores. - Budget guidelines: food expenses cannot exceed 20% and venue rental cannot exceed 25% of the total grant budget. - Honoraria or stipends are not allowed; alcohol may be funded if central to the event. - Organizers are encouraged to plan, promote, and evaluate the event, and to document attendance and outcomes for reporting and recognition. --- ## External Links - [Science Café Mini-Grant Program Page](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/science-cafe-mini-grant.html) - [Application Portal](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67) - [Science Café Planning Resources](https://www.acs.org/officer-toolkit/engage-your-members/science-cafes.html) - [Summary Report Submission](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |------------------------|------------------------------|------------------|----------------------------------------------| | ACS LSAC Grants Team | lsac@acs.org | +1 800-227-5558 | [ACS Contact Page](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) |

Science Café Mini-Grant

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