Local Section Innovative Projects Grant Program

The ACS Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC) funds new local section projects through the Local Section Innovative Projects Grant Program (IPG).

Begun in 2004, the program encourages local sections to conceive of and implement innovative projects to strengthen the functioning of the local section.

Projects that support local section interaction with other ACS local sections, ACS divisions, ACS committees, other professional associations—or community groups and programs that foster inclusiveness and participation of diverse section membership—are especially encouraged.

Application Procedures

• IPG Application Form
  Use this application form to provide specific information about your plans. Do not exceed two pages, including a line-item budget.
• Include a letter or email of support from the current local section chair.
• Include letters or emails of support from co-sponsoring local sections, divisions, or committees, if applicable.
• List of previously funded projects

Proposal Guidelines

• The amount of funding will be up to $3,000 per application. The funding is intended as “seed money” for projects that will become an ongoing activity in the section. Funding for one-off events will also be considered (anniversaries, etc.).
• Funds may be used for materials and supplies, hardware (only if it is integral to the nature of the project), sponsoring exhibits or symposia, travel expenses, reasonable program marketing, and related items.
• Funds may not be used for honoraria, including payment to contractors; pass-through donations to other organizations; alcoholic beverages; or meals for local section members (snacks are acceptable).
• Whenever possible, local sections are encouraged to use low-cost or free meeting facilities and advertising (e.g., through local section or sponsoring organization newsletters).
• A funded program/project should be completed within 12 months of the award date.
• A final report must be submitted to LSAC within three months of the funded project describing how the funds were used and the impact the project had.
• A project should be launched, conducted, and evaluated within 12 months from the award date.
• Only one proposal one year from the last submission date per local section will be funded.
• Funding will be awarded to a section only if it has submitted the most recent annual report.
• Funding will be awarded to a section only if it has submitted a final report for all previous ACS Local Section Innovative Projects Grants.
• Grants will not be provided if a section has previously received funding for the same (or similar) project. One continuation of funding at 50% may be available.

IPG Dates

• Application deadlines occur twice yearly: January 31 and June 30
• Proposals will be reviewed by LSAC, and local sections will be notified of funding before June 1 and November 1 respectively
• Funds will be distributed by June 15 and November 15

Submit your proposal (electronic preferred) to:

Email: lsac@acs.org
Fax: 202-872-4353

Mail:
LSAC
c/o Dept. of Local Section & Community Activities
American Chemical Society
1155 Sixteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036