Applications Invited for Queensland STEM Engagement Grants Opportunity 2026 Australia, The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation is offering exciting Queensland STEM Engagement Grants aimed at fostering meaningful connections between science and the community. These competitive grants are open to teachers, scientists, organizations, citizen science groups, tourism operators, and community groups. They support the delivery of STEM-focused events, educational activities, engagement initiatives, or projects that embrace the broad scope of STEM—including social sciences—highlighting their integral role in understanding and addressing real-world issues.
Aligned with the Queensland Government Science and Innovation Strategy and aiming toward the 2027 vision, the overarching goal is to boost STEM participation and entrepreneurial skills, with particular emphasis on empowering youth, women, and regional and First Nations communities.
Successful projects will be thoughtfully designed, evidence-based, and community-centered, moving beyond simple promotional activities to foster genuine, two-way engagement. Applicants are encouraged to tailor their initiatives to local contexts and priorities, creating opportunities for active participation and dialogue between scientists and communities. These projects should incorporate hands-on, experiential learning or interactive experiences that deepen understanding and involvement, ensuring participants can connect scientific ideas and practices to their own experiences and environments.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: 29th September 2026
Applications Invited for Queensland STEM Engagement Grants Opportunity 2026 Australia
Program Objectives
The program’s objectives focus on creating impactful, inclusive, and locally relevant science engagement projects. Applicants are encouraged to design activities that are interactive, inclusive, and informed by best practices in community science engagement. The key objectives include:
Enhancing community involvement in science and innovation, including integrating First Nations cultural knowledge and practices.
Improving science literacy and critical thinking through inquiry-based, experiential learning.
Expanding opportunities for STEM professionals to connect directly with communities, especially in regional Queensland.
Promoting diversity within STEM pathways and empowering youth and women to participate actively in science and innovation.
Grants of up to $25,000 (excluding GST) are available for projects lasting up to 12 months, with a total fund allocation of $500,000 for this round.
Applications Invited for Queensland STEM Engagement Grants Opportunity 2026 Australia
Project eligibility criteria:
- Must engage Queenslanders or visitors in science through active participation.
- Should include activities like student events, behind-the-scenes tours, interactive workshops, or technology use.
- All activities must be delivered within Queensland and within the 12-month timeframe.
- Projects must be accessible, low-cost, and appropriate for the target audience.
- Only one application per project is allowed; multiple applications from the same applicant are permitted if for different projects.
- For projects near protected areas, a permit from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service may be required.
Applicant eligibility:
- Must have a Queensland-based address and an ABN.
- Must hold at least $20 million public liability insurance.
- Must disclose any other grant funding received.
- If working with children or disabled individuals, relevant industry requirements must be maintained.
- Queensland government departments cannot apply, but individuals or volunteers can apply in personal capacity.
Applications Invited for Queensland STEM Engagement Grants Opportunity 2026 Australia
Using the funds:
- Projects must be completed within 12 months of signing the Funding Agreement.
- Funds can cover staff, external experts, materials, planning, equipment, marketing, travel, and data collection.
- Ineligible items include organizational overheads, alcohol, and gift vouchers (except for books).
- Funding is paid in two installments: 70% upfront, 30% upon completion.
- Final payment requires a detailed project report with evidence of expenditure.
For assistance with partnerships or scientific advisors, applicants can consult the Queensland science capability directory.
Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria focus on evaluating how well your project is planned, how effectively it aligns with the program’s goals, and your capacity to deliver it successfully. Here’s a breakdown of what the evaluators will be looking for:
- Well-planned project with appropriate engagement, collaboration, and target audience reach (40%)
- Clearly articulate your project’s aims and detailed plan for implementation.
- Demonstrate how your engagement activities are intentionally designed to foster meaningful interactions between scientists and participants, following the Best Practice Principles for Community Science Programs.
- Highlight the use of interactive, inquiry-based, or experiential approaches relevant to your activities.
- Show how your objectives, activities, and evaluation measures are aligned.
- Include your approach to communication and promotion; attach a plan outlining these strategies.
- Provide details on the target audience, projected numbers, and how your project involves students, educators, community members, or visitors.
- Describe any collaboration with relevant partners such as organizations, educators, STEM professionals, or community groups.
- Emphasize how your project promotes inclusivity and accessibility—consider cultural relevance, physical and digital access, costs, location, timing, and inclusion of under-represented groups.
- Address the relevance of your project to regional, remote, or under-represented communities, including First Nations peoples, girls, women, and disadvantaged groups.
- Clear alignment with the program objectives (30%)
Explain how your project supports:
Greater community engagement in science and innovation, including the integration of First Nations cultural knowledge.
Improved science literacy and critical thinking through inquiry-based, active learning.
Opportunities for STEM professionals to engage with communities, especially in regional Queensland.
Promotion of diverse STEM pathways and empowerment of youth and women to participate actively in science and innovation.
- Your capacity, capability, and resources (30%)
Demonstrate your ability to successfully deliver the project, including facilitation skills, culturally responsive communication, and effective use of partnerships.
Highlight the skills and experience of the project lead and any partners, including relevant track records and connections to your target audiences.
Provide a clear project budget with key expenditure items.
Explain why the project cannot proceed without the grant or how the funding will expand or enhance the project’s scope and outcomes.
Include any financial or in-kind support from sponsors or partners, with letters of support if available.
Consider how your project’s design, insights, or partnerships can support ongoing delivery or generate sector-wide value beyond the initial funding.
Application process notes:
- Applications will be assessed competitively based on merit, against eligibility and assessment criteria.
- A panel with backgrounds in science, education, and communication will review submissions.
- You may be contacted during the process for clarifications or additional information.
- The number of grants awarded will depend on the quality and number of applications received.
GST Note:
Be aware of GST implications in your budget and funding.
Preparing your application with these criteria in mind will help demonstrate its merit and increase your chances of success.
Why This Grant Opportunity Is Important
This grant opportunity is vital because it supports community-driven science engagement projects that foster a deeper understanding of science and innovation within Queensland. By funding initiatives that are inclusive, interactive, and culturally relevant, the program helps bridge gaps between scientists and communities, including underserved and underrepresented groups such as First Nations peoples, women, youth, and regional communities. It promotes active participation in science, enhances scientific literacy, and encourages diverse pathways into STEM careers. Ultimately, this initiative nurtures a more scientifically engaged, informed, and inclusive society, which is essential for addressing regional challenges, fostering innovation, and empowering future generations.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Align Your Project with the Program Objectives: Clearly demonstrate how your project promotes community engagement, inclusivity, and builds capacity within regional or underrepresented groups.
- Design Interactive, Experiential Activities: Highlight how your activities are participatory, inquiry-based, and foster meaningful interaction between scientists and communities.
- Showcase Collaboration and Partnerships: Include details of relevant partners, such as community groups, educators, or STEM professionals, and explain how these collaborations will strengthen your project.
- Address Inclusivity and Accessibility: Emphasize efforts to make your project culturally relevant, accessible physically and digitally, and affordable for participants, especially targeting underrepresented groups.
- Provide a Clear, Well-Structured Plan and Budget: Attach a detailed communication/promotion plan, timeline, and a realistic budget that aligns with your project activities and outcomes.
How to apply?
The application consists of:
- a completed online application form using SmartyGrants(external link). New users will need to register for a free account, while returning users can log in with their existing credentials. For step-by-step instructions on completing and submitting your form, please refer to the Help Guide for Applicants(external link).
- scanned PDF letters of support or recommendations from the applicant organisation and any partner organisation(s), where applicable
Deadlines for submitting an application are strict. No extensions can be provided.
Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
A1: Queensland-based organizations or individuals with an ABN, holding public liability insurance of at least $20 million, and not a Queensland Government department can apply. Applicants working with children or disabled persons must meet relevant industry standards.
Q2: What types of activities can I fund with this grant?
A2: Activities include student events, behind-the-scenes tours, workshops, interactive seminars, technology enhancements, and resource development that actively engage audiences in science.
Q3: How long does the project need to last?
A3: Projects must be delivered within a 12-month period from the date the Funding Agreement is signed.
Q4: Can I apply for multiple projects?
A4: Yes, but only one application per project. Multiple applications from the same applicant are allowed if they are for different projects.
Q5: What costs are eligible and ineligible?
A5: Eligible costs include staff, external speakers, materials, equipment, marketing, and travel directly related to the project. Ineligible costs include organizational overheads, alcohol, and gift vouchers (except for books).
Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link
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