Quick Information
Location: Australia
Funding Range: $20,000 – $100,000
Category: STEM Education Grants
Deadline: 17 June 2026 (5:00pm AEST)
Final Project Deadline: 30 June 2028
Focus Group: Youth under 18 years old
The Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement Grants 2026 is a national funding program in Australia supporting organisations that deliver STEM-focused, hands-on learning experiences for young people. The initiative is designed to strengthen engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through practical, creative, and inquiry-based activities.
The program places strong emphasis on inclusion, ensuring opportunities reach young people from underrepresented communities, including rural regions, Indigenous groups, girls, and disadvantaged backgrounds.
About the Initiative
This grant supports community-driven STEM projects that allow students to explore innovation through experimentation, making, and real-world problem solving. Activities must be interactive and designed to build practical STEM skills.
Projects must involve collaboration with STEM professionals such as engineers, scientists, innovators, or educators to enhance learning outcomes and inspire future career pathways.
Grant Support and Coverage
✓ Funding between $20,000 and $100,000 per project
✓ Support for materials, tools, and STEM equipment
✓ Coverage for workshops, events, and exhibitions
✓ Labour expenses (up to 30%) included
✓ Domestic travel costs supported (up to 20%)
✓ Promotion, design, and competition costs funded
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
• Incorporated Australian organisations
• Not-for-profit entities
• Research organisations
• Vocational education providers
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations
Applicants must hold an ABN and deliver projects through collaborative partnerships involving at least one partner organisation.
Applications are not open to individuals, schools, unincorporated associations, or certain government bodies.
Eligible Project Conditions
Projects must:
• Focus on STEM learning for youth under 18
• Include hands-on activities like workshops and events
• Have minimum eligible expenditure of $25,000
• Be completed by 30 June 2028
• Involve STEM experts and collaborative delivery
• Expand or introduce new educational activities
How Applications Are Assessed
All submissions are reviewed in two stages:
- Eligibility screening
- Scoring against assessment criteria
Evaluation is based on:
• Community reach and impact (50%)
• Delivery capability (20%)
• Value of funding request (30%)
A minimum threshold of 50% per criterion is required.
Application Submission
Applications must be completed through the official government portal before the closing date. Late applications are not considered, and incomplete submissions may be rejected.
