Local Section Innovative Project Grant

Purpose

Encourages ACS local sections to conceive of and implement innovative projects to strengthen the functioning of the local section. Local sections should strive for innovation in their projects, drawing inspiration from successful projects in other sections and considering new endeavors that haven't been undertaken locally before.

Application Guidelines

The ACS Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC) funds new local section projects through Local Section Innovative Projects Grants (IPGs).

Proposed innovative projects must:

• Be new to the applying local section
• Stimulate local section member involvement, and
• Be pilot projects for a continuing section activity or else take advantage of a unique upcoming opportunity for the local section.
• Projects should be new to the local section, but can be inspired from other sections or other ideas from other organzations that strengthen and function of community.

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

The applicant must:

• Assure that they have identified and selected low-risk activities for their project
• Recognized and eliminated high-risk activities and demos, and
• Considered strategic changes to activities and demos to minimize the likelihood of injury and promote a culture of safety, according to the ACS

Budget Guidelines

• Maximum Funding Level: $3,500
• Funding should focus on implementing innovative projects to strengthen the functioning of the local section
• Applications should include specific budget information about the event, technology, and/or any materials needed for the proposed event. and/or proposed event

Specific Budget Guidelines

• Local Sections are encouraged to keep food expenses under 20% and venue rental cost under 25% of the total amount requested from the Committee on Local Section Activities.
• Alcohol may be funded if central to the event i.e. tasting at a brewery.
• Memberships to ACS or discount to membership as part of the event is allowed up to 25% of the total budget. In the case of paying for standard or premium ACS memberships, these should be offered to only a select number of potential new members at an event and offering discounts to more potential members at an event and offering discounts to more potential members may be a better use of funds.
• Giveaways such as ACS merchandise is permitted by cannot exceed 25% of the total funding request
• Honoraria or stipends cannot be funded under this grant neither can pass-through donations to individuals or other organizations.