The Maker Projects Community STEM Engagement Grants 2026 support hands-on learning experiences that develop STEM skills in students and youth under 18 years of age. Administered by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, this open competitive grant opportunity funds projects that foster creativity, experimentation, and inquiry-based learning through engagement with design, engineering, and programming technologies.

Overview

The grant opportunity aims to deliver projects where students and youth under 18 years of age can develop and apply STEM knowledge through experimentation, tinkering, and hands-on learning. The programme encourages practical skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking by supporting hands-on STEM-related events and activities. It seeks to inspire young people to pursue further studies and careers in STEM, with a focus on making projects accessible to those in regional, rural, and disadvantaged areas. A particular priority is reaching young people historically underrepresented in STEM, as defined in the grant opportunity guidelines.

Intended outcomes include increased practical knowledge and skills in scientific experimentation, design, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship; increased accessibility and participation in STEM activities for youth under 18; and positive, ongoing development of STEM skills through inquiry-based learning.

Funding and Benefits

• Total Amount Available: AUD $2,000,000.00
• Estimated Grant Value: From AUD $20,000.00 to AUD $100,000.00
• Location: ACT, NSW, VIC, SA, WA, QLD, NT, TAS, and Administered Territories

Eligibility

Applicants must have an Australian business number (ABN) and be one of the following entity types:

• An entity incorporated in Australia
• An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth)
• An incorporated association
• An incorporated not-for-profit organisation
• A publicly funded research organisation (PFRO)
• A government or non-government vocational education and training (VET) provider as defined in the grant opportunity guidelines

Projects must be delivered through a collaborative partnership that is established prior to application submission. The partnership must include at least one partner organisation that actively participates in project delivery, not merely as a beneficiary.

Ineligible applicants include schools (early childhood, primary, or secondary); individuals or sole traders; partnerships (distinct from collaborative partnerships); unincorporated associations; trusts (though an incorporated trustee may apply on behalf of a trust); Commonwealth, state, territory, or local government bodies; non-corporate Commonwealth entities; organisations on the National Redress Scheme's list of institutions that have not joined the Scheme; and employers of 100 or more employees that have not complied with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012.

Full eligibility criteria are available in the grant opportunity guidelines.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online at business.gov.au/makers2026. Assistance is available via phone at 13 28 46, email at enquiries@industry.gov.au, or through web chat on the business.gov.au website.

Deadline and Timeline

• Publish Date: 6 May 2026
• Close Date and Time: 17 June 2026 at 5:00 pm ACT Local Time