Maker Projects - Community STEM Engagement Grants 2026
Donor: Australian Government
Location: Australia
Beneficiaries: Organisations
Project focus areas: Projects that increase access and participation for groups historically under‑represented in STEM
Funding amount: AUD20,000 to AUD100,000
Project duration: Project completion by 30 June 2028
Deadline of application: 17 June 2026 5:00pm AEST
Maker Projects Grants aim to foster creativity and inquiry-based learning. They support the development of STEM skills in students and youth under 18 years of age in design, engineering and programming, through hands-on learning.
Objectives:
deliver projects where students and youth under 18 years of age, at the time of application, can develop and apply their STEM knowledge through experimentation, tinkering and hands-on learning by engaging with a range of technologies
encourage practical skills, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking through the delivery of hands-on STEM-related events and activities
inspire students and youth under 18 years of age to pursue further studies and careers in STEM
make projects accessible to as many young people as possible, including those in regional, rural and disadvantaged areas
make a positive and ongoing impact on students and youth under 18 years of age, particularly those historically underrepresented in STEM including as defined in the glossary of the grant opportunity guidelines.
Intended Outcomes:
increased practical knowledge and skills in scientific experimentation, design, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship through hands-on activities for students and youth
increased accessibility and participation in STEM-related events and activities for students and youth under 18 years of age, particularly those historically underrepresented in STEM as defined in the glossary
positive and ongoing development of STEM skills for participating students and youth, fostered through hands-on inquiry-based learning.
Who can apply
Organisations that deliver community‑based Maker Projects for students and youth under 18 years of age. The opportunity particularly supports projects that increase access and participation for groups historically under‑represented in STEM, including:
- women and girls
- First Nations peoples
- young people living in regional, rural and remote areas
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
- people with disability, and
- young people from low socio‑economic or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
Learn more and apply here.