Local Section Innovative Project Grant FAQs

 

What does it mean to be "innovative"?

For the purpose of the IPG, ‘innovative’ is defined as new for your local section. In this program, it is not necessary to devise a unique activity. Actually, we encourage local sections to be inspired by the activities funded in the past.

What does it mean that IPGs must “stimulate local section member involvement?”

There are many ways for programs to engage local section members, and an IPG should try to engage the entire local section membership as much as possible. Their professional development can be supported by technical symposia, as well as networking opportunities, leadership courses and training in auxiliary areas such as technology or management matters. Programs can involve members by providing structured volunteer opportunities for them to reach out to the general public, both children and adults, to enhance their scientific literacy and appreciation, especially in matters relating to the chemical sciences.

What are examples of a “unique upcoming opportunity for the local section” that might be funded by an IPG?

Celebrations of significant local section anniversaries, events to stimulate local section participation in a regional meeting, and participation in other one-time programs to promote the chemical sciences, such as science teachers’ conventions or science fairs are some examples of unique opportunities. For an ACS regional meeting, the IPG application must emphasize how local section membership, in particular, will benefit from the regional meeting program.

Will my section be required to provide letters of support with our program proposal?

Yes. Your section must provide letters of support from any partners. It helps if letters are written on the letterhead of the partnering organization. Your proposal must also include a letter of support from your section’s chair or member of the executive committee if the chair is also the primary applicant.

What are the guidelines for the use of IPG funds?

  • Food and Beverage (F&B)
    Seated meals are prohibited; however, refreshments are allowed. F&B costs should not exceed more than 20% of your proposals overall budget.
  • Audio/Visual (A/V)
    Your section’s proposed budget for A/V costs should not exceed 20% of the overall budget.
  • Venue
    Venue costs should not exceed more than 20% of requested funds.
  • Giveaways, Prizes, etc.
    Giveaways and prizes are permitted. Your section should be sure that these are add-ons to the program and that the vast majority of your proposal’s budget directly supports the content of the program itself. Excessive giveaway and prize budgets typically result in a reduction of overall funding amounts.
  • Honoraria
    Honoraria are prohibited.
  • Speaker/Guest Travel
    IPG funds can be used to cover costs for some speaker or guest domestic travel are allowed within reason.
  • Reimbursements
    LSAC does not retroactively fund/reimburse for activities that have already taken place.

When should my section's IPG activity take place?

IPG funding decisions are finalized at each ACS national meeting. Your event’s proposed date should not fall within the two weeks immediately following the national meeting.

What are some reasons that an IPG is not funded or fully funded?

  • Proposals need to have both clear objectives and a thought-through plan of action. The Event Planning Worksheet is a valuable tool for planning a successful program.
  • Local situations differ and a section’s IPG should be consistent with the local section’s strategic plans and its members’ and community’s needs. These need to be addressed in the proposal. A successful IPG proposal also needs to have a well-considered plan for executing the activity.

What other factors can ensure an IPG proposal's success?

  • The project planning is well enough developed that the line-item budget includes some detail of projected costs. Conditions in local sections differ, so brief explanation of expenses related to advertisement, technical support, and room rental are helpful to reviewers.
  • Consideration is given to finding economical ways to execute projects, while still meeting the project objectives. For instance, 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).

May local sections return unspent IPG monies to ACS in the event that an activity cannot be completed?

There is no ACS policy to return or refund grant monies sent to local sections. When a Local Section is unable to complete an IPG-funded activity, a member from the Local Section should first complete a final report to close out the activity. Once a final report is submitted, the Section becomes eligible to apply for a new Innovative Project Grant for LSAC’s consideration. The amount of unspent funds from the incomplete project will count toward their next approved IPG.

Are final reports required for my section's IPG award?

A final report is required for your section's most recently funded IPG. Any outstanding final reports must be completed for your section to be eligible for another IPG award. Any outstanding final reports should be submitted via Formsite.

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Application Deadline

June 30, 2022 11:59pm ET