Deadline: 03-May-2026
The SA National Science Week Grant Program funds community events during National Science Week in August to inspire interest in STEM, celebrate Australian scientists, and engage diverse audiences. Grants of $3,000 for metropolitan Adelaide and $3,500 for regional/remote areas support hands-on workshops, interactive events, citizen science, and other innovative science engagement initiatives.
Programme Overview
The program aims to:
- Inspire broad community participation in STEM
- Celebrate the contributions of Australian scientists
- Encourage curiosity among young audiences
- Promote innovative engagement methods for diverse and underrepresented communities
Eligible activities include:
- Hands-on workshops
- Science fairs and exhibitions
- Arts-based science initiatives and interactive online events
- Podcasts, video productions, virtual tours, webinars
- Citizen science projects and digital storytelling
- Live-streamed presentations and performances
Funding Details
- Metropolitan Adelaide: Up to $3,000 (including GST)
- Regional/Remote Areas: Up to $3,500 (including GST)
- Eligible expenses: Materials, venue hire, equipment, speaker fees, travel, limited advertising, and refreshments (within caps)
- Ineligible expenses: Activities exclusively for school students, research projects, conferences, curriculum development, permanent infrastructure, surveys, teacher training, staff salaries, or software development
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Sole traders
- Community groups and not-for-profits
- Businesses and industry bodies
- Universities
Requirements:
- Event organisers must hold public liability insurance
- Schools are not eligible; they may access funding through the Australian Science Teachers Association
Priority Audiences
Projects that engage audiences underrepresented in STEM are prioritised, including:
- First Nations communities
- Culturally and linguistically diverse populations
- Women and girls
- People with disabilities
- Individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds
- Neurodivergent individuals
- LGBTQIA+ communities
- People facing age-based discrimination
- Residents of regional or remote areas
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility and target audience
- Prepare a project proposal including:
- Objectives and expected community impact
- Event format and engagement methods
- Budget aligned with eligible expenses
- Submit the application through the official grant portal
Expected Outcomes
- Increased public interest and participation in STEM
- Greater engagement of underrepresented groups in science activities
- Innovative approaches to science communication and education
- Enhanced visibility and celebration of Australian scientists
Tips for Applicants
- Focus on hands-on or interactive activities to engage audiences
- Demonstrate how your project reaches diverse or underserved communities
- Ensure the budget covers eligible expenses only
- Highlight opportunities for community participation and learning
FAQ
Q1: Who can apply?
A1: Sole traders, community groups, organisations, businesses, industry bodies, and universities with public liability insurance.
Q2: How much funding is available?
A2: $3,000 for metropolitan Adelaide; $3,500 for regional and remote areas.
Q3: Are schools eligible?
A3: No, schools must apply through the Australian Science Teachers Association.
Q4: What types of activities are supported?
A4: Workshops, science fairs, arts-based science, online events, podcasts, videos, webinars, citizen science, digital storytelling, and performances.
Q5: Can the grant be used for staff salaries or research?
A5: No, funding cannot cover salaries, research projects, conferences, curriculum development, software, or permanent infrastructure.
Q6: Are underrepresented groups prioritised?
A6: Yes, including First Nations, culturally diverse, women and girls, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, disabled, low-income, and regional/remote populations.
Q7: What is the application process?
A7: Submit a project proposal through the official grant portal, detailing objectives, format, target audience, and budget.
Conclusion
The SA National Science Week Grant Program empowers communities to engage with STEM, celebrate science, and reach diverse audiences. By funding innovative and inclusive activities, it strengthens public participation in science and innovation across South Australia.
For more information, visit Inspiring South Australia.
