Grants of up to $100,000 to support the development of STEM skills through hands-on learning experiences, encouraging the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Maker Projects – Community STEM Engagement Grants (MP-CSEG)?
The Maker Projects 2024 Community STEM Engagement Grants are now open, offering a fantastic opportunity for organisations to foster creativity and inquiry-based learning among Australian youth. This grant aims to support the development of STEM skills through hands-on learning experiences, encouraging the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
MP-CSEG level of support
Up to $2 million in funding is available over two years from 2024-25 to 2025-26:
- Minimum grant amount – $20,000
- Maximum grant amount – $100,000
The grant amount will cover up to 80% of eligible project expenditure. Recipients must fund at least 20% of eligible project costs through cash and/or in-kind contributions.
MP-CSEG important dates
- This program is closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
MP-CSEG objectives
The Maker Projects – Community STEM Engagement Grants 2024 aim to:
- Deliver maker projects that allow students and youth under 18 to develop and apply their STEM knowledge through hands-on learning.
- Encourage practical skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking.
- Inspire students to pursue STEM disciplines in their studies and future careers.
- Ensure accessibility of maker projects to as many young people as possible, including those in regional, rural, and disadvantaged areas.
- Positively impact diverse cohorts historically underrepresented in STEM, such as First Nations peoples, CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities, women and girls, people with disabilities, and more.
Projects eligible for MP-CSEG support
Eligible activities for this grant include:
- Interactive workshops where participants can engage directly with STEM concepts and technologies.
- Events relating to existing interactive exhibitions that provide hands-on learning opportunities.
- Hands-on participation from youth under 18 years of age in various STEM activities.
- Resources for participants to support the lasting impact of the funded activities.
- Other activities that align with the grant objectives, such as incorporating scientific, technological, engineering, or mathematics experts to work with participants on practical knowledge and skills development in design, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Grant funds can be used for:
- Contractor costs.
- Venue and equipment hire.
- Domestic travel (up to 20% of total project costs).
- Tools and equipment, such as science equipment, ICT hardware, electronics, robotics, soldering irons, and glue guns.
- Consumable materials, such as workbooks, chemicals, timber, nails, glue, foil, paper, matches, scissors, batteries, string, cardboard, wire, rulers, pliers, duct tape, sticky tape, metal sheeting, plastic, wheels, plastic or metal piping, electronic and solar kits.
- Graphic design for event promotion.
- Prizes and hosting competitions.
- Event advertising and promotion.
- Displays and other materials for exhibitions.
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for MP-CSEG support.
Other MP-CSEG important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for MP-CSEG support
To be eligible for the grant, applicants must:
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Be an entity incorporated in Australia, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, an incorporated association, an incorporated not-for-profit organisation, a publicly funded research organisation, or a government or non-government VET provider.
- Form a collaborative partnership with at least one other organisation, such as libraries, private companies, schools, or not-for-profit bodies.
The following are not eligible to apply:
- Organisations on the National Redress Scheme’s list of ‘Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme’.
- Employers of 100 or more employees that have not complied with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012.
- Individuals, sole traders, partnerships, schools, and various government bodies.
MP-CSEG assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
1. The Reach and Impact of Your Project (50 points)
- Increase in access and participation of youth under 18 in STEM events.
- Sustainable development of STEM knowledge and skills.
- Evaluation of the project’s impact and reach.
2. Capacity, Capability, and Resources to Deliver the Project (30 points)
- Track record of managing similar projects.
- Access to personnel with the right expertise and experience.
- Access to necessary infrastructure, equipment, and technology.
- Partnerships and linkages with relevant stakeholders.
3. Impact of Grant Funding (20 points)
- Effect on the scale, reach, timing, and lasting value of the project.
- Justification of project costs, including in-kind contributions.
- Nature of contributions from proposed partnerships.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the MP-CSEG?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the MP-CSEG application
Applicants will need to provide:
- A complete and accurate application addressing all eligibility and assessment criteria.
- All necessary attachments, including letters of support from project partners and, if applicable, trust deeds.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the MP-CSEG
Applications must be submitted through portal.business.gov.au.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
MP-CSEG resources
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