Each year, Inspiring Australia (NSW) offers funding to NSW stakeholders to deliver high-profile community events during National Science Week and at other times of the year. These grants have enabled NSW to grow its statewide National Science week offering while also allowing NSW Regional Science Hubs to deliver entertaining programing throughout the year.
The NSW Science Grants program is funded by the NSW Department of Industry and the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. It aims to develop the network of NSW Regional Science Hubs – local partnerships that bring together multidisciplinary teams to develop and deliver high-profile STEM engagement programs in NSW.
National Science Week 2020 online program funding
In NSW, this year’s National Science Week campaign will go online in light of restrictions to public gatherings due to the COVID19 pandemic. The NSW Executive Committee for National Science Week and Inspiring Australia is therefore seeking expressions of interest for innovative online events and opportunities that can be delivered as part of science week from (or close to) 15-23 August 2020.
Where possible, we encourage applicants to collaborate with NSW Regional Science Hubs (See current list) as well as other local event providers whose public programs may have been disrupted as a result of COVID19 e.g. libraries and regional museums.
We are especially interested in receiving proposals that show evidence of community building and collaboration to boost engagement with STEM and those that can support the work of freelance producers whose incomes may have been affected by the pandemic.
Eligibility
Expressions of interest for funding of up to $5,000 are invited to support initiatives that bring together local individuals and organisations to create compelling online content that can be presented as part of National Science Week in August 2020.
Participating organistions may include but are not limited to:
- Local scientists
- Local government (e.g. councils, youth and family services)
- Business associations and chambers of commerce
- National Parks and Wildlife services and Landcare groups
- Schools, universities and TAFE colleges
- Arts and community organisations
- Local clubs and societies
- Local media organisations such as community news and radio services
- Freelance producers.
Please note that Inspiring Australia NSW does not provide grants for in-school activities. While schools may be involved in the creation and delivery of a funded project, the target audience for these grants is members of the general public.
Online events and activities could include podcasts and videos, live forums, comedy, theatre, quizzes, games, citizen science initiatives … all creative ideas that can be presented online for general community enjoyment will be considered.
Initiatives that are collaborative, involve multiple partners and attract other sources of funding towards proposed activity will be highly regarded. As an added incentive to applicants, Inspiring Australia NSW will soon be hosting a series of free online forums on best practice online science engagement.
First time applicants are advised to check whether there is a NSW Regional Science Hub in their region and to make contact with its lead organisation. See current list
Application deadline
5:00PM Monday 27 April 2020. Applicants will be notified of the results by Friday 8 May 2020.
Download the application form
Support for 2020 science engagement projects
Limited funds are available to support sponsorship proposals of up to $10,000 from large presenters that have the potential to attract at least 5,000 people to one large-scale science engagement event or high-profile event series. Please note that these grants are for public community events, not schools events.
What the funds can be used for:
- Payment of sole contractors, performers and presenters
- Production and marketing expenses.
Download the application form
Inspiring Australia Science Engagement Program
Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the Inspiring Australia Science Engagement Program supports a range of science engagement activities to inspire, motivate and cultivate a scientifically engaged community across Australia.
It includes:
- National Science Week Grants that support the delivery of science engagement activities during National Science Week each year in August. The 2020 round is now closed.
- Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, annual awards for outstanding achievement in science, innovation and science teaching.
- Maker Projects that aim to foster creativity and inquiry-based learning in Australian schools and communities through two streams:
Maker Projects Stream A assists with the establishment of maker spaces in schools.
Maker Projects Stream B helps organisations hold STEM-related events and education activities in partnership with industry and aimed at under 18 year olds. - Citizen Science Grants for nationally significant citizen science projects.
- Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions to help students participate in international competitions.
For more information read the Program Guidelines (PDF; 276.32 KB).