Skip to main content

Funding

Applications open for the 2026-2027 Sustainable Future Grants Program at GC&E

The Sustainable Future Grants Program is a strategic initiative of the ACS Green Chemistry Institute (ACS GCI) & ACS Office of Sustainability designed to empower students and global professionals to actively participate in the Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference (GC&E). Starting with the 2026-27 cycle, the grant program has been significantly expanded with generous support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. This grant supports individuals who exemplify a commitment to sustainable science through their research, leadership, and community engagement, fostering a vibrant, inclusive network of changemakers.

By participating in this program, you can:

  • Build community across disciplines, institutions, and borders
  • Network with leaders in sustainable chemistry and engineering
  • Contribute innovative research that addresses global sustainability challenges
  • Engage deeply in conference programming and collaborative learning experiences

Applications open October 31, 2026, and will be accepted until full, or by January 15, 2027.

Eligibility & Participant Expectations

The Sustainable Future Grants Program provides opportunities for scholars who are not receiving any ACS or other external funding to support their participation in the GC&E conference in the given year.

Eligibility for Student & Postdoc Scholars

To be eligible to apply for the Sustainable Future Grants Student Scholars you must meet one or more of the following criteria below:
  • Be a previous ACS GCI Summer School Student within the last two years (2025, 2026)
  • Be an active, high-achieving member of an ACS Student Chapter
  • Be a Student or Postdoctoral Scholar that is co-organizing a technical session
  • Be a Student or Postdoctoral Scholar who demonstrates a strong commitment to green chemistry and/or sustainability through their academic work & research, leadership, or community engagement.
Awardee

Ineligibility for Student & Postdoc Scholars

Students & Postdocs who have received a Sustainable Future Grant in the past are ineligible to receive a 2026-2027 grant.

Student & Postdoc Recipient Requirements:

  • Submit an abstract to the conference
  • Sign up for at least two volunteer shifts
  • Reside in designated student housing
  • Attend the conference’s student programming track, including a student networking reception, student workshop, poster session, keynotes, and select technical sessions
  • Submit a one-page report shortly after the conference on your experience.

Eligibility for Global Professionals

This funding track is designed to support professionals who exemplify the values of collaboration, innovation, and global engagement in their work.

To be eligible to apply for the Sustainable Future Grants Global Professionals you must be based outside of the United States and meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Be a session organizer or workshop organizer for the 2026 GC&E Conference
  • Be a past GC&E Conference co-chair
  • Be a professional actively contributing to green chemistry and sustainability through leadership, research, education initiatives, or community-building.

Global Professional Recipient Requirements:

Recipients must:
  • Serve as a poster session judge
  • Assist with volunteer tasks as needed
  • Actively participate and collaborate throughout the event
  • Submit a one-page report shortly after the conference on your experience.
Image of a woman attendee at the conference.

How to Apply


A limited number of grants are available, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is strongly encouraged to ensure full consideration.

To apply, please fill out the application linked below.