ACS Student Communities Starter Grant

Grant at a Glance

TypeGrant
Recipient Student, International
Category Community Recognition
AmountUp to $350
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Purpose

Starter Grants are available to support the creation of new Student Chapters, International Student Chapters, or Graduate Student Organizations (GSO). These grants are for up to $350 and must be used to directly support the chartering of a new student community, including to fund ACS student membership. 

Description

The ACS Student Communities Starter Grant is for undergraduate and graduate institutions interested in starting or re-activating, after five years of inactivity, a student chapter, international student chapter, or GSO. 

Grants are distributed in the Spring and Fall on a first-come, first served basis.

Communities use this grant to grow and apply for an ACS charter. If a student community already has an active ACS charter, you are ineligible for this grant, but are eligible for other grants, awards, and professional development opportunities.

The ACS student communities are designed to enhance the educational experience and prepare students for successful careers. Students coordinate and participate in wide range of activities, including community service, chemistry-themed events, science demonstrations, study groups, and trips to technical meetings and local chemical companies.

Application Instructions

  1. If you do not have an email for your student community, please create one.
  2. Create a student community account in the application system. The account allows you to update your application at any time prior to submission and view your application status afterwards.
  3. Select Apply under Applicant Menu. 
  4. Choose 2024 ACS Student Communities Starter Grant
  5. Enter and upload any required materials. You may save and return to your application until submission. 
  6. Submit your application. Saved drafts are not considered submitted applications. You must click the Submit Application button. A confirmation email will be sent to confirm your submission within one business day.

Eligibility

  • The application must be for a two- or four-year institution that has not had an active ACS student community in the past five years.
  • A faculty advisor must be identified. The faculty advisor can be of any faculty rank who is a current ACS member.

Important Notes

Application Requirements

  • Institutional Employer Identification Number (EIN) (U.S. institutions only)
    The EIN can usually be obtained from your institution’s accounting or fundraising office.
  • Personal and faculty advisor contact information
    Contact information will be used only for communication regarding the starter grant.
  • Institutional student club policy 
    Ultimately, your chapter will need to also be an official club at your institution. You may copy & paste your institution's policy or simply provide the web address for it. 
  • Proposed budget and timeline for formation or reactivation
    Budget and timeline do not need to be detailed, but they should indicate a coherent plan for starting the chapter or organization.

Contact Information

studentcommunities@acs.org

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