Deadline: 17-Jun-2026
The Maker Projects Grants program funds community-based STEM education initiatives for young people under 18 in Australia. It supports hands-on, inquiry-based learning projects that build creativity, engineering, programming, and problem-solving skills. Grants range from $20,000 to $100,000 and prioritise inclusion of underrepresented groups in STEM.
Overview of the Program
The Maker Projects Grants program supports community-led STEM learning initiatives that help children and young people develop practical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning (“maker education”), where students actively build, design, experiment, and solve real-world problems.
Key Objectives
The program aims to:
- Increase STEM participation among youth under 18
- Promote inquiry-based and experiential learning
- Encourage creativity, design thinking, and innovation
- Strengthen STEM skills for future careers
- Improve access to STEM in rural and disadvantaged communities
- Support inclusive participation in education
Priority Areas
Funding supports projects focused on:
- STEM education and skill development
- Engineering, coding, and programming activities
- Design, prototyping, and experimentation
- Maker spaces and hands-on workshops
- Entrepreneurial thinking and innovation
- STEM events, camps, and competitions
- Career pathways in STEM fields
- Inclusive education programs
Inclusion and Equity Focus
Strong priority is given to increasing participation among underrepresented groups:
- Women and girls in STEM
- First Nations peoples
- Rural and remote communities
- Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities
- Young people with disabilities
- Low socio-economic and educationally disadvantaged groups
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Eligible organisations include:
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
- Incorporated associations
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations (under CATSI Act 2006)
- Publicly funded research organisations
- Government or non-government vocational education and training providers
Funding Details
- Minimum grant: $20,000
- Maximum grant: $100,000
Funding supports community-based STEM “maker” projects for young people under 18.
Eligible Activities
Grants may be used for:
- STEM workshops and learning programs
- Maker spaces and equipment
- Robotics, coding, and engineering activities
- School-community STEM partnerships
- Innovation challenges and hackathons
- Youth STEM engagement events
- Training facilitators and educators
- Inclusive STEM outreach programs
How the Program Works
Step 1: Project Design
Applicants design a community-based STEM initiative targeting youth under 18.
Step 2: Eligibility Check
Organisations must confirm ABN registration and eligible entity type.
Step 3: Application Submission
Submit a proposal outlining:
- Project goals
- Target groups
- STEM activities
- Inclusion strategy
- Expected outcomes
Step 4: Assessment
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Educational impact
- Innovation and creativity
- Inclusion of disadvantaged groups
- Feasibility and delivery capacity
- Long-term sustainability
Step 5: Funding and Implementation
Successful applicants deliver projects within approved timelines and report outcomes.
Why This Program Matters
The program strengthens STEM education by:
- Building early interest in STEM careers
- Closing participation gaps in underserved communities
- Encouraging practical, hands-on learning
- Supporting innovation and creativity in youth
- Strengthening Australia’s future STEM workforce
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not targeting youth under 18
- Lack of clear STEM learning outcomes
- Weak inclusion strategy for priority groups
- Overly theoretical (non-hands-on) project design
- Missing ABN or ineligible organisation type
- Poor justification of community need
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for Maker Projects Grants?
Eligible Australian organisations with an ABN, including nonprofits, schools, VET providers, and research organisations.
2. What is the funding range?
Between $20,000 and $100,000 per project.
3. Who are the beneficiaries?
Children and young people under 18 years of age.
4. What type of projects are funded?
Hands-on STEM, maker, coding, engineering, and innovation-based learning programs.
5. Are schools eligible?
Yes, if they meet eligibility requirements (e.g., VET providers or incorporated entities).
6. Is inclusion a priority?
Yes, especially for rural, Indigenous, CALD, disabled, and disadvantaged youth.
7. What is the main goal of the program?
To increase STEM participation through accessible, practical, and creative learning experiences.
Conclusion
The Maker Projects Grants program supports inclusive, hands-on STEM education initiatives that empower young people to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By funding maker-based learning experiences, the program helps build skills, confidence, and future career pathways for diverse youth populations across Australia.
For more information, visit Australian Government.