Guidelines

About the program

Science is critical to Queensland’s economy, driving innovation in key industries and improving our lifestyle. We want all Queenslanders to value science, critical thinking and evidence-based decision making as part of everyday life.

Embracing scientific thinking, participating in scientific activities, and engaging with the scientific community will foster a more knowledgeable and innovative Queensland. Beyond this, preparing students and building their capabilities empowers them to pursue rewarding careers and adapt to an ever-evolving work landscape.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (the department) is offering competitive Queensland STEM Engagement Grants designed to support teachers, scientists, organisations, citizen science groups, tourism operators, and community groups in delivering STEM-focused (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) events, educational activities, engagement initiatives, or projects. These grants take an expansive view of STEM and therefore welcome projects that integrate the social sciences into STEM engagement.

The overarching goal of the 2027 Queensland STEM Engagement Grant program, aligned with the Queensland Government Science and Innovation Strategy, is to promote and increase STEM participation and entrepreneurial skills, focusing on youth, women, and regional and First Nations communities.

Projects funded under the Queensland STEM Engagement Grant Program are encouraged to be thoughtfully designed, grounded in evidence, and focused on community engagement, rather than being one-off or solely promotional activities. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that support meaningful, two‑way engagement between scientists and communities, respond to local contexts and priorities, and create opportunities for participants to actively engage with scientific ideas, practices or issues that have a direct connection to their own experiences and environments. Activities supported should incorporate hands-on experiential learning or interactive experiences to deepen participant understanding and involvement.

Program objectives

Applicants are encouraged to consider how projects are designed and delivered, including the extent to which activities are interactive, inclusive, locally relevant and informed by the ‘Best Practice Principles for Community Science Engagement Programs’.

Projects must align with the following program objectives:

• foster greater community engagement in science and innovation, including the recognition and inclusion of First Nations cultural knowledge, practice and communities
• pave the way for improved science literacy and critical thinking skills by engaging people in inquiry-based and active experiential learning
• grow opportunities for STEM professionals to engage directly with communities, including students and visitors, particularly in regional Queensland
• promote the diversity of STEM pathways and empower youth and women to actively participate in the science and innovation ecosystem.

Grants of up to $25,000 each (excluding GST) are available to support applicants deliver events, activities or projects for up to 12 months. The department has allocated up to $500,000 (excluding GST) for this grant round.

Project eligibility

To be eligible, the applicant’s project must engage Queenslanders or visitors to Queensland in science. Projects should demonstrate active participation and engagement, rather than passive information delivery. Activities should provide opportunities for participants to explore, question, interact with or contribute to scientific ideas, practices or processes, in ways that are appropriate to the target audience.

The types of activities eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:

• delivering student (primary, secondary and tertiary) events, activities or citizen science projects involving students, teachers, community members, and/or visitors
• organising behind-the-scenes tours that invite the local community to explore science facilities and engage in interactive on-site interactive activities
• providing interactive or participatory events, seminars or workshops that connect scientists with business and community groups
• enhancing existing technology or use of new technology by participants as part of the engagement activities
• creating training resources and then using these in engagement activities.

Additional project conditions:

• all events and projects must be delivered within a 12-month timeframe
• projects must be based entirely in Queensland, ensuring that all operational and delivery costs are spent within the state
• projects must not impose excessive financial costs on participants
• each applicant may submit only one (1) grant application per project; however, multiple applications from the same applicant are allowed if they relate to different projects
• for projects that are located in or near public protected areas (e.g. national parks), a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service permit may be required. Contact ecotourism@detsi.qld.gov.au prior to submitting your application for a preliminary assessment. The preliminary assessment must be submitted with your application form.

Applicant eligibility

To be eligible for a grant, applicants must:

• have a Queensland-based address, such as an office, chapter or campus
• possess an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• maintain public liability insurance of at least $20 million (in total and per event)
• disclose any other grant funding received for the project in the application’s budget section
• if working with children or people with a disability, applicants must maintain all relevant industry requirements throughout the project’s duration
• Note: Queensland Government departments are ineligible to apply. However, Queensland Government employees may apply in a personal capacity if they are volunteering for community groups or are teachers.

Past performance in department-managed grant programs, including any overdue reports, will be considered when evaluating applications.

If you need assistance finding scientific advisors or partners, please visit the Queensland science capability directory.

Using the Queensland STEM Engagement Grants funds

The proposed project must be delivered within a 12-month period with activities occurring from the date the Funding Agreement is fully executed (the project start date).

It is expected that successful applicants will be notified by early 2027. Only costs incurred after the Funding Agreement has been signed by all parties can be claimed as part of the project expenditure, regardless of whether the project is new or already exists.

The grant funds may be used for the following activities:

• staff costs – direct salary costs for employees delivering the engagement activity
• specialist skills – fees for external guest speakers and specialist contractors engaged to deliver all or part of the activity
• production – materials, consumables, hire fees, venue catering, permit fees
• project planning (maximum 20% of requested funds)
• purchase of equipment (e.g. iPads or drones) or development of software/technology solutions e.g. teaching software (maximum of 50% of requested funds)
• marketing, media and promotions – printing of marketing materials, website development and advertisement or social media campaigns
• travel directly relating to the project
• sample and data collection.

The following items are ineligible for funding under this program:

• organisational overheads of the applicant organisation including insurance
• purchase of alcohol
• gift vouchers other than for books.

Funding will be paid in two instalments:

• 70% on execution of the Funding Agreement (once signed by the department and all required documents are submitted)
• 30% on project completion.

To receive your final payment, you must submit a project report detailing your objectives, participant numbers, and outcomes, alongside evidence of expenditure. Please note that only receipts or paid invoices are accepted; unpaid invoices will not be approved.

Best practices principles for community science engagement

The ‘Best Practice Principles for Community Science Engagement Programs’ provides evidence-based guidance for the design, delivery, and evaluation of community science engagement programs. Aligning your project with these principles will ensure your project reflects evidence-based guidance to achieve successful outcomes and greater impact. While not all principles will be relevant to every project, careful consideration of their applicability and use can strengthen both project design and its potential outcomes.

Assessment criteria

Well-planned project with appropriate levels of engagement, collaboration and target audience reach

(Weight: 40%)

Description: Explain your project aims, how you will carry out the project, and how you will engage your target audience

Applicants should demonstrate how engagement activities have been intentionally designed in alignment to the Best Practice Principles for Community Science Programs, including:

• meaningful interaction between scientists and participants
• use of interactive, inquiry-based or experiential approaches (where relevant)
• alignment of objectives, activities and evaluation measures
• project approach and communication/promotion plans (please attach a copy with your application)
• target audience and projected engagement numbers, including how the project will involve students, educators, community members, or visitors
• collaboration with relevant partners (e.g. organisations, educators, STEM professionals, community groups)
• integration of inclusivity and accessibility (e.g. cultural relevance, physical and digital access, cost barriers, location, timing, under‑represented groups)
• relevance to regional, remote or under-represented groups (including First Nations peoples, girls and women, and disadvantaged communities), where applicable.

Clear alignment with the program objectives

(Weight: 30%)

Description: Explain how your project aligns with the program objectives:

• foster greater community engagement in science and innovation, including the recognition and inclusion of First Nations cultural knowledge, practices and communities
• pave the way for improved science literacy and critical thinking skills by engaging people in inquiry-based and active experiential learning
• grow opportunities for STEM professionals to engage directly with communities, including students and visitors, particularly in regional Queensland
• promote the diversity of STEM pathways and empower youth and women to actively participate in the science and innovation ecosystem.

Your capacity, capability and resources to carry out the project, and support its ongoing delivery, where feasible

(Weight: 30%)

Description: Demonstrate how you will ensure the success of your project

Applicants should outline their capacity, capability, and available resources to deliver the project successfully. Where appropriate, describe how the project’s design, insights, or partnerships can support continued delivery or generate value beyond the funding period. Consideration may be given to how project learnings and partnerships might be leveraged in future contexts, adapted to meet different needs, or shared as a resource for the broader sector.

Applicants should outline:

• their capability to deliver community engagement, including facilitation skills, culturally responsive communication, and use of partnerships to strengthen reach and impact
• the skills and experience of the project lead and any partners, including relevant track record and connections to target audiences
• the project budget including key expenditure items
• why the project would be unable to proceed without the grant funding, or how the grant would influence the project’s scope and outcomes
• any financial or in-kind support from sponsors or partners (letters of support should be attached where possible).

Application assessment

Applications will be assessed:

• through a competitive, merit-based process against the program’s eligibility and assessment criteria
• by a panel of assessors with relevant scientific, education and/or communication backgrounds.

Applicants and/or project leaders may be contacted during the assessment process to clarify information provided and/or to request additional information to enable the appropriate consideration of the application.

The number of grants awarded will depend on the number and quality of applications received.

Applications and GST

Applicants registered for GST will receive funding that includes a GST component to cover relevant costs, which must be paid to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). As a result, these applicants are required to present their budgets in the application excluding GST. GST-registered recipients can subsequently claim back the GST component on eligible expenses from the ATO.

Applicants who are not registered for GST may include the GST in the budget as a cost component of the grant. As a result, all expenses listed in applications should be calculated including GST where applicable.

For advice on GST, please seek assistance from the Australian Tax Office.

Application outcome

All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their submission in writing. Details including the name of successful applicants, funding allocated, location of the project and a description of the project will be published on the Queensland Government website and may be announced through media including social media.

Successful applicants will be contacted by the Grants Coordinator regarding funding arrangements, grant agreements and other documentation/approvals that may be required.

Unsuccessful applicants can request feedback on their application by emailing grantsadministration@detsi.qld.gov.au. If you wish to appeal a grant decision, you must submit your appeal to the department via email within two months of receiving your notification.

Funding availability

Funding is expected to be available from early 2027. Funding can only be provided to successful applicants once both parties have signed the grant agreement, and all required documentation has been received by the department.

Funding terms and conditions

The Queensland STEM Engagement Grants terms and conditions (PDF, 399.5KB) will be available on the department’s website while the program is open. Applicants must read, understand and accept these terms and conditions before applying for funding as they will not be negotiable at the time a funding offer is made.

Privacy

The Queensland Government collects and collates information from the application form to evaluate applications for the program. Only authorised Queensland Government officers and approved grant assessors have access to this information under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 for the purpose of assessing the application for funding.

Applicants should note that broad details of successful proposals, agreed outcomes, progress and the level of funding awarded may be published by the Queensland Government.

Some of this information may be used and published to promote funded projects.

Your personal information will not be disclosed to any other third party without your consent, unless required or authorised by law or by the Information Privacy Act 2009.

For audit and record-keeping purposes, the Queensland Government is required to retain the applications and other supplied support material.

The provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009 apply to documents in the possession of the Queensland Government.

How to apply

The application consists of:

• a completed online application form using SmartyGrants. New users will need to register for a free account, while returning users can log in with their existing credentials. For step-by-step instructions on completing and submitting your form, please refer to the Help Guide for Applicants.
• scanned PDF letters of support or recommendations from the applicant organisation and any partner organisation(s), where applicable

Deadlines for submitting an application are strict. No extensions can be provided.

Further information

Read the frequently asked questions for further information. If you experience technical difficulties creating an account or completing an online form, contact SmartyGrants on (03) 9320 6888.

If you have any questions relating to these guidelines, or if you would like to discuss your application, please contact the Grants Coordinator by telephone on (07) 3330 6360 or by email at grantsadministration@detsi.qld.gov.au

Please note: Grants Coordinators can offer advice on your proposal, but all official grant decisions will be based solely on the information submitted in your application.