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

September 30, 2026

$500 per mini-grant; typically 1 grant per local section per cycle

Supports ACS local sections in hosting Science Cafés to promote scientific literacy and dialogue between scientists and nonscientists.

Only ACS local sections may apply; prior recipients must submit a summary report before reapplying.

--- ## Description The Science Café Mini-Grant, administered by the ACS Committee on Local Section Activities, provides $500 mini-grants to ACS local sections to support the organization of Science Café events. These events are designed to foster open, accessible conversations between scientists and nonscientists on current scientific topics, with the goal of promoting scientific literacy and community engagement. Hosting a Science Café can invigorate local section activities and encourage broader participation in science-related discussions within the community. Resources and planning guides are available to help local sections develop successful events. --- ## Due Dates - September 30, 2026: Science Café Mini-Grant application deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Each mini-grant provides $500 to support the costs of hosting a Science Café. - Typically, one grant is awarded per local section per cycle. - Previous recipients must submit a summary report before reapplying for future funding. --- ## Eligibility - Only ACS local sections are eligible to apply. - Applicants must be the Local Section Chair or submit a letter of support from the Chair (if another Executive Committee member applies). - Prior recipients must submit a summary report for their last Science Café grant before they are eligible to reapply. - The event must be a Science Café open to the community, focusing on scientific topics of public interest. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online by the deadline. - Required materials include: - Completed application form - Letter of support from the Local Section Chair (or another Executive Committee member if the Chair is applying) - Event budget - If a co-sponsor is involved, a letter of support from the co-sponsor - Use the [official application portal](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67). - Applicants are encouraged to review [application templates](https://americanchemicalsociety-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/w_meruvia_acs_org/Ek3Y-5YEjmJDlL4XFlqGa-gBoHvTfjXIb34wbIeG-hr5Ug?e=hDhgfh) before submission. - Previous grantees must submit a [summary report](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cf9368606d54c878fda6a7268fbc71f) before reapplying. --- ## Additional Information - Science Cafés can cover a wide range of topics relevant to the general public, such as climate change, food chemistry, nanotechnology, vaccines, and more. - Events are typically held in casual venues (coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants) to encourage open dialogue. - ACS provides [planning resources and topic ideas](https://www.acs.org/officer-toolkit/engage-your-members/science-cafes.html) to assist local sections. - A final report, including a summary of the event and budget, is required after the event. --- ## External Links - [Science Café Mini-Grant Program Page](https://www.acs.org/funding/grants/science-cafe-mini-grant.html) - [Online Application Portal](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a5ca1b836a7649a882cc76640df6eb67) - [Application Templates](https://americanchemicalsociety-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/w_meruvia_acs_org/Ek3Y-5YEjmJDlL4XFlqGa-gBoHvTfjXIb34wbIeG-hr5Ug?e=hDhgfh) - [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 Local Section Activities | lsac@acs.org | +1 800-227-5558 | [Contact ACS](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) |

Science Café Mini-Grant

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