ACS Chemistry Festival Grant
Grant at a Glance
Purpose
To support community engagement events outside the United States and Puerto Rico that highlight the role of chemistry in daily life.
Description
At Chemistry Festivals the role of chemistry in daily life is emphasized by volunteers through interactive activities facilitated for the non-chemist public. Incorporating interactive activities and following all ACS safety guidelines are required at all events, but otherwise the format is flexible. These events are often hosted as part of the campaigns National Chemistry Week and Chemists Celebrate Earth Week but can happen anytime during the year. Similarly, the primary audience is generally young children but all age groups are accepted.
The maximum award for previous winners and those who have received direct training through a Festival Training Institute is 3,000 USD. First-time awards have a maximum value of 1,500 USD.
Eligibility
The principal event organizer must live outside the United States and Puerto Rico. Collaborations with groups in any nation are encouraged. ACS membership is not required. Previous awardees must complete a final report before being eligible for additional funds.
Deadline
Approximately January and June of each year.
How to Apply
Visit the Chemistry Festival page for a link to the application and to sign up for grant announcements from Outreach News alerts.
Judging Process
At least one volunteer from the ACS Committee on Community Activities, the ACS Committee on International Activities, and the ACS Society Committee on Education reviews each application. Awards are made based on the strength of applications and funding available for awards.
Notification
All applicants are notified directly at the email address provided in their application. Both awardees and those encouraged to reapply will receive notifications.
Reporting Requirements
All awardees will receive a link to a reporting form. Once this report is complete, the awardee will be eligible to apply for additional funding.
Sponsor
The ACS sponsors this grant as part of its commitment to communicating chemistry’s value and encouraging excellence in education. The staff office coordinating this grant program is the Office of Science Outreach within the Education Division.
History
The “Festival de Química” was started in Puerto Rico in 2005 by Dr. Ingrid Montes. The first goal of the program was to share the joy of chemistry with native Spanish speaking audiences within the U.S. The program quickly spread to Latin America, and then to Asia, Africa, and Europe. Exemplary Chemistry Festivals are held in Puerto Rico twice a year as part of celebrations for National Chemistry Week and Chemists Celebrate Earth Week. In 2010, the Chemistry Festival became an official ACS Program. In 2015, the first international grant awards were made. Approximately 30 awards are now distributed each calendar year.
Past Recipients
Grant winners have included:
- ACS International Chemical Sciences Chapters
- ACS International Student Chapters
- Other chemical societies
- Other volunteers
