Organizations across Australia now have an exciting opportunity to secure significant funding through the Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement Grants 2026, a national initiative designed to strengthen creativity, innovation, and hands-on STEM learning among young people.

The program provides grants ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 to support community-based STEM projects that help students and youth under 18 years old develop practical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through inquiry-based and experiential learning activities.

The initiative particularly focuses on increasing participation among groups that have historically been underrepresented in STEM education and careers, ensuring more young people across Australia gain access to meaningful STEM opportunities.

About the Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement Grants 2026

The Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement Grants are part of Australia’s broader effort to promote innovation, scientific literacy, and technological capability among young people.

The grants support organizations that deliver engaging STEM activities outside traditional classroom settings. These projects encourage experimentation, creativity, problem-solving, design thinking, engineering skills, and entrepreneurship through interactive and hands-on experiences.

Rather than relying solely on theoretical instruction, the program emphasizes practical learning approaches where students actively build, create, test, and explore STEM concepts.

Funding Amount Available

Successful applicants can receive:

• Grants from $20,000 to $100,000

The funding is intended to help organizations design and deliver impactful STEM engagement initiatives for young people under 18 years of age.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement Grants 2026 are currently open.

Closing Date

• Wednesday, 17 June 2026
• Time: 5:00 PM AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early and ensure all required supporting documentation is complete before submission.

Purpose of the Program

The Maker Projects Grants aim to:

• Foster creativity and inquiry-based learning
• Improve STEM knowledge and practical skills
• Increase access to STEM opportunities
• Encourage innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
• Inspire young people to pursue future STEM studies and careers

The program recognizes the growing importance of STEM education in preparing future generations for evolving industries, digital transformation, and technological advancement.

Key Objectives of the Grant Opportunity

The program has several important objectives designed to improve STEM participation and educational outcomes among young Australians.

1. Deliver Hands-On STEM Learning

Projects should allow students and youth under 18 years old to:

• Experiment with technologies
• Explore engineering and programming concepts
• Participate in maker activities
• Develop practical STEM skills

The focus is on active participation and experiential learning.

2. Encourage Creativity and Innovation

The program supports initiatives that:

• Promote creative problem-solving
• Encourage entrepreneurial thinking
• Build confidence in STEM-related activities
• Inspire innovation through practical engagement

3. Increase Interest in STEM Careers

Projects should help participants:

• Discover future career pathways
• Build interest in STEM subjects
• Understand real-world applications of technology and science

This long-term approach helps strengthen Australia’s future STEM workforce.

4. Improve Accessibility and Inclusion

A major focus of the grants is ensuring STEM opportunities are accessible to young people who may face barriers to participation.

The program particularly supports projects serving:

• Regional communities
• Rural areas
• Remote communities
• Economically disadvantaged groups

Priority Groups Supported by the Program

The Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement Grants place special emphasis on increasing participation among groups historically underrepresented in STEM.

These include:

1. Women and Girls

Projects that encourage female participation in STEM learning and leadership are strongly supported.

2. First Nations Peoples

Programs that engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are encouraged.

3. Young People in Regional, Rural, and Remote Areas

The grants seek to improve STEM access outside major metropolitan areas.

4. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities

Projects supporting inclusive STEM participation among multicultural communities are welcomed.

5. People with Disability

Inclusive STEM learning opportunities for young people with disabilities are prioritized.

6. Young People from Low Socio-Economic or Educationally Disadvantaged Backgrounds

The program supports initiatives that reduce barriers and create equal learning opportunities.

Expected Outcomes of the Program

The Maker Projects Grants aim to generate long-term positive outcomes for young people and communities across Australia.

Anticipated Outcomes Include:

• Increased STEM knowledge and practical skills
• Greater participation in STEM-related activities
• Improved innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
• Increased accessibility to quality STEM learning experiences
• Stronger engagement with science and technology pathways
• Long-term development of inquiry-based learning skills

Who Can Apply?

Organizations may apply if they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the grant guidelines.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Eligibility as an approved entity
• An eligible STEM project
• Eligible project expenditure

The complete eligibility requirements are detailed in the official grant opportunity guidelines.

Eligible Projects

Projects funded under this program should:

• Deliver community-based STEM engagement activities
• Target students and youth under 18 years old
• Use hands-on and inquiry-based learning approaches
• Encourage experimentation and practical skill development

Examples may include:

• STEM workshops
• Coding and robotics programs
• Maker spaces
• Engineering challenges
• Innovation labs
• Technology camps
• Science engagement events

How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying should carefully prepare before starting the application process.

Application Process

Step 1: Review the Grant Guidelines

Applicants should thoroughly read and understand:

• Eligibility rules
• Funding conditions
• Assessment criteria
• Project requirements

Step 2: Create or Log Into the Online Portal

Applications must be submitted through the official online grants portal.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Applicants should provide:

• Detailed project information
• Supporting evidence
• Budget details
• Impact goals
• Organizational information

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Applications must be fully completed before submission.

Incomplete or incorrect applications may not be considered, and mistakes cannot be corrected after submission.

Apply HERE

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Alignment with program objectives
• Potential impact on young people
• Accessibility and inclusion
• Project quality and feasibility
• Community engagement
• Value for money

Strong applications will clearly demonstrate how the project will create meaningful STEM learning outcomes.

Why These Grants Matter

STEM education is increasingly important in today’s rapidly evolving world. However, many young people still face barriers to accessing quality STEM learning opportunities.

The Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement Grants help bridge this gap by supporting organizations that create accessible, engaging, and practical STEM experiences for diverse communities across Australia.

By investing in youth STEM engagement today, the program contributes to:

• Future workforce development
• Innovation ecosystems
• Educational equity
• Economic growth
• Community empowerment

Final Thoughts

The Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement Grants 2026 offer a valuable opportunity for organizations passionate about STEM education to expand their impact and empower the next generation of innovators, creators, and problem-solvers.

With funding of up to $100,000 available, eligible organizations can design transformative projects that inspire curiosity, creativity, and long-term engagement in science and technology.

Organizations working to make STEM education more inclusive, practical, and accessible are strongly encouraged to apply before the June 17, 2026 deadline.

 For more information about the opportunity, visit the official website

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