Public Library Grants for National Science Week 2026

Grants of up to $1,000 are available for NSW public libraries to host community science engagement events during National Science Week 2026 (15 – 23 August).

About the Program

Inspiring Australia NSW is offering small grants to support public libraries to develop and deliver fun, creative, and accessible science-themed events for their communities.

These grants aim to help libraries celebrate science, technology, and innovation through activities that spark curiosity and inspire lifelong learning.

Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $1,000 (one-off funding)
• Who can apply: NSW public libraries
• Eligible activities: Events or activities held during National Science Week 2026

Examples of eligible events include:

• Science talks, author sessions, or demonstrations
• Family-friendly workshops or hands-on activities
• Pop-up exhibitions or science displays
• Film screenings, panel discussions, or storytelling sessions

Key Dates

• Applications open: 9 March 2026
• Applications close: 10 April 2026
• Successful applicants announced: 1 May 2026

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

• Relevance to the goals of National Science Week
• Level of community engagement and accessibility
• Creativity and innovation in program design
• Feasibility and value for money

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application form and provide:

• A brief description of the proposed activity or event
• Details of the target audience and community reach
• A simple budget outlining how the funds will be used

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Project Name *

Applicant Name *

Applicant Email *

Phone Number *

Alternate Contact Name *

Alternate Contact Email *

Organisation *

ABN *

Position Title *

if numbers Date

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Project Location *

• Major Cities
• Inner Regional
• Outer Regional
• Remote
• Very Remote
• Online

Use the interactive map in the guidelines to determine your project location remoteness area classification.

Grant Proposal

The major project component of the project must be delivered during National Science Week15 – 23 August 2026.

Project Name *

Estimated Start Date *

Amount Requested *

Max $1000

Estimated Date of Completion *

Project Activities *

Give a brief description of the proposed events/activities. Include main activities, key topics, speakers, participants, venues and date/s.

Project Criteria *

• Inspire young people to pursue an interest or aptitude in science.
• Encourage local community participation and ongoing engagement in science.
• Provide diversity and inclusion in programming and audience reach.
• Celebrate Australian scientific achievements past and present.
• Provide opportunities for scientists and researchers to present to the public.
• Build digital literacy in Australian communities.
• Expand existing STEM networks and partnership opportunities.

National Science Week projects must meet at least two of the above criteria. Please tick all that apply.

Previous Projects *

List briefly any previous National Science Week science activity you have hosted, or other science engagement activity you have presented at other times. You can use links for past webpages and attach any relevant documents at the end.

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Target Audience *

• General community
• Families & children
• Youth
• Seniors
• Women and girls
• Hobbyists
• First Nations peoples
• Neurodivergent people
• LGBTQIA+ people
• People living with disability
• People living in regional and remote areas
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people
• People from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds

Who is your target audience? Tick all that apply.

Other Audience, if not listed above

Audience numbers *

How many people do you think will attend your project events or activities?

How will you reach these audiences? *

Summarise your communication plan and timeline.

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Success and Evaluation *

What will make the event successful for you? How will you measure the success of your event or activity?

Child Safety *

If no children will participate in or attend your event, please state this.

Restrictions and Risk Management *

What is the risk management plan in the event of extreme weather, speaker cancellation, or other unforeseen circumstances?

Total Project costs *

This figure includes all costs associated with the project, including grant funding requested and in kind contributions.

Upload the total project budget *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 2 files.

Upload the budget for your poject. You must include a breakdown of the grant funds requested and an estimate of all in kind contributions. This provides and overview of the total project costs.

File Upload

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 5 files.

Include any other documents that could be useful for your application such as examples of past activities and programs.

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Agreement

If you are successful in your grant application, you are obliged to do the following:

• Send a Tax Invoice to Inspiring NSW.
• Provide a current Certificate of Currency
• Provide current WWCC staff and volunteers working with people under 18.
• Register your project on the National Science Week website by 6 July 2026
• Send Inspiring NSW details of your project for promotion, including images and registration links
• Inform Inspiring NSW of any major variations to the National Science Week activity.
• Collect basic data on audience for an Inspiring NSW survey.
• Submit an online report with the results of your activity/event including final program, audience numbers, participants, long term outcomes, and some feedback about your experience by Friday 18 September,.
• Submit images of your event that capture presenters, activity, and audience.
• Submit examples of media coverage, social media engagement, and publicity.

Statement of agreement *

• Yes, I have read the grant guidelines
• Yes, I understand that not all applications will be successful
• Yes, if successful, I understand and accept the above terms

By submitting your grant aplication you are agreeing to the Statement of Agreement

Date *

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Further Information

Guidelines and the application link will be available soon.
For any questions, please contact Inspiring Australia NSW at https://inspiringnsw.org.au/contact/.

Feature Image: Darling Square Library