Open Call for Queensland STEM Engagement Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 29-Sep-2026

The Queensland STEM Engagement Grants support teachers, scientists, organisations, and community groups to deliver innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities across Queensland. Grants of up to $25,000 excluding GST are available for projects that increase STEM participation, build scientific understanding and entrepreneurial skills, and engage priority groups including young people, women, regional communities, and First Nations peoples.

About the Queensland STEM Engagement Grants

The Queensland STEM Engagement Grants program supports projects that connect Queensland communities with STEM through practical and engaging experiences. The program aligns with the Queensland Government Science and Innovation Strategy and aims to build a scientifically informed community by creating stronger connections between: Projects should move beyond simply providing information. They should encourage participants to actively explore, understand, and engage with scientific and technological ideas. What Does the Program Support? The grants support STEM-focused events, educational activities, engagement initiatives, and community projects. Projects should be interactive, evidence-based, locally relevant, and designed around the needs of their target communities. Grant Amount and Funding Pool Successful applicants can receive up to $25,000 excluding GST per project. The total funding allocation for this grant round is up to $500,000. Funding can support costs directly associated with delivering an eligible STEM engagement project, subject to the programme’s specific funding conditions and exclusions. Applicants should ensure that proposed expenditure is directly connected to the project’s STEM engagement objectives. Some costs may be subject to specific limits or exclusions, so applicants should check the applicable funding guidelines before preparing their final budget. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Eligible applicants must meet the programme’s organisational and location requirements.

Applicants must:

Have a Queensland-based address. Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN). Have public liability insurance of at least $20 million. Be capable of delivering the proposed project within Queensland. Ensure the project meets all applicable programme requirements.

Potential applicants can include:

Teachers. Scientists. STEM professionals. Community organisations. Community groups. Other eligible organisations involved in STEM engagement. Queensland Government departments are not eligible to apply. However, Queensland Government employees may be able to apply in their personal capacity when volunteering with community groups or working as teachers, subject to the programme requirements. Priority Communities The programme particularly encourages projects that increase STEM participation among groups that may face barriers to STEM engagement. This interdisciplinary approach can help participants understand STEM not only as a technical field but also as something connected to society and everyday life. Project Requirements Eligible projects must meet several important conditions. Queensland-Based Delivery Projects must be based entirely in Queensland. This means operational and delivery costs must be spent within Queensland, according to the programme requirements. 12-Month Delivery Period Each funded project must be completed within a 12-month timeframe. Applicants should therefore develop a realistic schedule covering: Project preparation. Recruitment or participant engagement. STEM activities. Delivery. Data collection. Evaluation. Final reporting.

Participant Costs

Projects should not impose excessive financial costs on participants. Applicants should consider affordability and accessibility when designing registration fees, materials charges, travel requirements, or other participant expenses. How to Apply Applicants should develop their proposal around a clearly defined STEM engagement need and a practical solution.

Step 1: Define the STEM Problem or Opportunity

Explain the STEM engagement gap or opportunity that the project will address. For example, an applicant might identify limited STEM participation among regional students or a lack of opportunities for young people to experience hands-on science.

Step 2: Identify the Target Audience

Clearly identify who will participate. Explain why the selected audience needs or would benefit from the proposed STEM activity.

Step 3: Develop the Engagement Activities

Describe exactly what participants will do. Activities should be practical, interactive, and designed to encourage active participation rather than passive learning. Stronger connections between communities and STEM professionals.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Develop a realistic budget covering eligible costs such as staffing, specialist expertise, equipment, technology, production, marketing, travel, and data collection. The requested grant must not exceed $25,000 excluding GST.

Step 6: Establish a Delivery Timeline

Show how the project will be delivered within the required 12-month period.

Step 7: Address Compliance Requirements

Applicants should ensure they meet requirements relating to: Projects involving children or people with disabilities must comply with relevant laws, safety requirements, and industry standards.

Applicants should consider:

Appropriate safeguarding procedures. Required staff or volunteer checks. Accessible facilities and materials. Inclusive communication. Safe activity design. Appropriate supervision. Relevant disability-access requirements. These requirements should be considered during project planning rather than after funding is awarded. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing activities that are primarily lectures with little participant interaction. Failing to identify a clear STEM engagement problem. Providing vague or unrealistic outcomes. Ignoring the needs of the target community. Failing to explain ho