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.
Year-round funding for 2020 programs
Inspiring Australia (NSW) welcomes applications from regional organisations operating as Science Hubs for funds of up to $8,000 to facilitate the delivery of year-round public engagement programs. Applicants must present at least five events that promote science and technology over a 12-month period in 2020. Please note that these grants are for public community events, not schools events.
Eligibility
Grants of up to $8,000 are available to year-round public engagement initiatives that bring together at least three organisations to create a NSW Regional Science Hub. Activities should have enduring benefits and must meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Inspiring young people to pursue an interest or aptitude in science
- Extending networks and partnership opportunities in the region
- Encouraging community participation and feedback
- Sharing science achievements and knowledge within the local community
- Sustaining science activity without significant future grant funding.
Due to the limited nature of this funding, one-off events will not be considered.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5:00PM FRIDAY 22 November 2019
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 open and closes 30 October 2019.
- 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).