Small Grants, Big Impact: Regional STEM Grants.

Rgional Programs across NSW

Are you passionate about making science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) accessible, exciting, and deeply connected to your local community? If you live or work in regional New South Wales, your next great idea just got a major green light.

Inspiring Australia NSW has officially announced the timeline for Round 2 of the Regional STEM Community Activity Seed Grants.

While National Science Week is always a massive highlight on the calendar, these seed grants are uniquely designed to help regional communities bring STEM to life all year round. Following a successful first round, this second phase is looking for fresh, creative, and localised ideas to spark curiosity between September and December 2026.

The Regional STEM Community Activity Seed Grants are designed to support small, one-off events and activities that create genuine connections through STEM.

  • Funding Amount: Up to $1,000 per grant.
  • Purpose: One-off events or activities running between 1 September and 31 December 2026.
  • Eligibility: Open to regional libraries, not-for-profit and community organisations.

Whether you want to host an interactive hands-on workshop, a community-led science project, a captivating live demonstration, or an inspiring panel talk, these grants provide the seed funding needed to bring local talent to the forefront.

Key Dates for Round 2

Round Two is for activities running 1 September – 31 December 2026

  • Applications Open: Monday, 1 June 2026
  • Applications Close: Friday, 26 June 2026
  • Successful Recipients Announced: Monday, 13 July 2026

Inspiring Australia NSW wants to fund projects that break the mould and make STEM truly accessible to all corners of the state. We are actively seeking applications that hit the following targets:

  • Build collaborations between community groups and/or local government
  • Foster Indigenous partnerships
  • Involve researchers or scientists from universities or research organisations
  • Combine science and art in creative ways
  • Engage groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM
  • Introduce new and innovative approaches (beyond business-as-usual)

Note: Please keep in mind that these seed grants are aimed at broader community engagement. They are not intended for programs run inside schools or exclusively for school students.

Regional STEM Community Activity Seed Grants: 2026 Grant Guidelines

The heart of regional NSW is built on community spirit and grassroots innovation. A $1,000 boost could be exactly what your local library, community garden, historical society, or regional arts group needs to spark a lifelong love for science and technology in your town.

Start talking to your local councils, reaching out to nearby university researchers, and brainstorming your most creative ideas today.

Regional STEM Community Activity Seed Grants: Apply now

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e.g. workshop, talk, festival, etc.
e.g. physics, engineering, maths, biology, quantum, etc.

Inspiring Australia NSW​ is supported by​ the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer and the Australian Governments Inspiring Australia program.

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