The ACC Chapter Grant Program provides funding to chapters that do not have the means to pursue new initiatives. Funding is available to support programs of any type or size that advance both the mission of ACC and the goals of the chapter. 

Eligibility  

All active ACC chapters may submit unlimited grant proposals of up to $6,000 each for programs that support one or more of the following objectives:

• Programs or projects that support ACC’s Strategic Plan
• Programs or projects that support ACC’s Seat at the Table Initiative
• Efforts to increase ACC membership through recruitment and retention campaigns
• Activities that raise member awareness of your chapter and ACC services
• Programs focused on new managers, attorneys new to in-house practice, or general counsel
• Chapter and Network collaboration initiatives
• Programs addressing global issues in the legal department
• Pro bono services provided by in-house counsel
• Initiatives serving law school students
• Programs addressing emerging technologies, including AI, data governance, cybersecurity, any related legal or operational issues that impact in-house practice.

A chapter’s current financial position will be considered when determining awards. ACC will review several years of financial data to ensure chapters are not unfairly excluded. Chapters with reserves fluctuating between three and nine months of operating expenses will remain eligible, provided the chapter is not consistently well above the reserve threshold.

Proposal Process & Contents 

All grant proposals must include:

• A justification for the project and the need for funding
• A clear implementation plan
• Anticipated outcomes
• Date of the activity (must occur before September 23, 2026)
• Purpose of the activity and intended goals
• Member benefits and impact
• How the activity advances ACC’s organizational goals
• Planned promotion and marketing methods
• Names of individuals responsible for the activity
• A detailed budget, including all estimated costs and revenues
• An explanation of why existing chapter funds cannot cover the activity’s costs

Incomplete proposals will not be considered.

Funding 

Funds awarded must be used only for the activities described in the approved grant proposal. ACC will not fund activities that were not included in the original submission.

Reporting 

Grant awards are valid from October 1, 2025, through September 23, 2026.

• Chapters will receive 50 percent of the grant amount upon approval.
• The remaining 50 percent will be released after ACC receives a detailed final report at the conclusion of the project.
• Final reports must include:
  • A Project Overview
  • Total Expenses
  • Goals Achieved

For projects not completed by May 6, a progress report is required. Failure to submit an interim report will result in cancellation of the remaining disbursement.

All grant activities must be completed, and final reports submitted no later than September 23. Any unused funds as of that date will revert to ACC. Grant funds must be used solely for the approved project.

Chapters must also provide ACC with reproducible copies of any materials created as part of the project for potential use by ACC and other chapters.

Deadlines

Please feel free to reach out to ACC Chapters with any questions!