If you run a school science club, volunteer with a local astronomy group, work at a regional library, or manage tourism experiences that involve nature, science, or technology, there is a Queensland Government grant program worth knowing about. It is called the Queensland STEM Engagement Grants, and it can provide up to $25,000 toward projects that get Queenslanders excited about science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).
This program used to be called the “Engaging Science Grants.” It has recently been rebranded, but the purpose is the same: helping community groups, schools, tourism operators, and individuals deliver hands on STEM activities that make science feel real, relevant, and fun for everyday Queenslanders.
What Is This Grant, In Simple Terms?
Think of this grant as funding for “science made fun and accessible” projects. The Queensland Government wants more people, especially young people, regional communities, and everyday families, to engage with science and technology in ways that feel exciting rather than intimidating.
That could look like:
- A school running a hands on robotics workshop for students
- A regional tourism operator creating a stargazing or nature science experience for visitors
- A citizen science group running a river health monitoring project with local volunteers
- A library hosting a series of interactive STEM demonstrations for families
- A community group building a public science trail or exhibit
The grant is administered by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (Queensland).
How Much Funding Is Available?
Here are the verified funding details, straight from the official program guidelines:
- Maximum grant amount: up to $25,000 (excluding GST) per application
- Minimum grant amount: not stated in the official guidelines. There is no published minimum, so do not assume any particular figure, base your request on what your project genuinely needs.
- Total program funding pool: up to $500,000 (excluding GST) across the whole state
This is important context: $500,000 is the entire pool shared across all successful Queensland applicants, not the amount available to any single project.
Who Qualifies For This Grant?
The eligibility list for this program is broader than many people expect. To apply, you generally need to be Queensland based (meaning you have an office, chapter, or campus in Queensland) and hold an ABN. Within that requirement, the following types of applicants are eligible:
- Teachers (applying on behalf of a school project or class activity)
- Scientists
- Organisations (including not for profits and community organisations)
- Citizen science groups
- Tourism operators
- Community groups
- Schools, including state schools, independent schools, and Catholic schools. Note that schools apply via a teacher, not directly through students.
- Local government agencies
- Libraries
- Individual Queensland Government employees, but only when applying in a personal capacity, for example as a volunteer or as a teacher, not on behalf of their department.
There are two extra requirements that catch some applicants out:
- You must have an ABN.
- You must hold, or be able to obtain, public liability insurance of at least $20 million.
That insurance requirement is significant. If you run a small volunteer group and do not currently have public liability insurance, start looking into this early.
Who Does NOT Qualify?
- Queensland Government departments are not eligible to apply.
- Queensland statutory authorities are not eligible to apply.
- School students applying directly are not eligible. If a student or student group has a great STEM project idea, it needs to be submitted through a teacher.
What Can The Funding Be Used For?
Approved spending categories include:
- Staff costs and salaries directly related to delivering the project
- Specialist or contractor fees
- Production materials
- Venue hire
- Equipment and software, capped at 50% of the total grant amount
- Project planning costs, capped at 20% of the total grant amount
- Marketing for the project
- Travel and meals, complying with standard ATO guidelines
- Permits required to run the project
- Sample or data collection costs
What Can The Funding NOT Be Used For?
- Organisational overheads or insurance
- Alcohol
- Gift vouchers, except for book vouchers, which are permitted
- Projects that are already completed or already underway
- Direct business or product promotion
Key Dates And Deadlines
Closing date: 4:00pm, 29 September 2026
The official guidelines do not state an explicit opening date, and the program is currently accepting applications. Outcome notifications and funding availability are expected in early 2027.
What Documents Will You Need?
Applications are submitted online through the SmartyGrants online application portal. Before you sit down to apply, gather:
- A communications or promotion plan, maximum 3 pages.
- A project budget, including any other funding sources you already have secured or are applying for.
- Target audience details.
- Scanned PDF letters of support from partners.
- Proof of ABN and eligibility.
One important rule: one application per project.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Not having (or being unable to obtain) the required $20 million public liability insurance.
- Exceeding the equipment and software cap (50% of the grant).
- Exceeding the project planning cap (20% of the grant).
- Missing or late letters of support.
- Applying as an ineligible entity (Queensland Government departments or statutory authorities).
- Students applying directly instead of through a teacher.
- Requesting funding for a project that is already underway or finished.
- Forgetting to disclose other funding sources in the budget.
How Competitive Is This Grant?
The total pool for this program is a fixed $500,000 (excluding GST) shared across the entire state of Queensland. Demand for STEM engagement funding tends to be strong given how broad the eligible applicant list is. It is sensible to treat this as a “get your application in properly, and get it in early” opportunity.
What Should You Prepare Now?
- Check your public liability insurance situation.
- Draft your project budget, being careful to keep equipment and software spending under 50% of your total request, and planning costs under 20%.
- Start requesting letters of support from any partner organisations, schools, or community groups involved in your project.
Related Funding Options
If you are a Queensland based organisation exploring more than one funding avenue, arts and cultural organisations in Queensland have their own dedicated funding stream, and you can read our coverage of the Queensland Arts Project Fund Round 3.
If you are unsure whether your organisation or project meets the eligibility requirements outlined above, run a quick check using our eligibility assessment tool.
Final Thoughts
The Queensland STEM Engagement Grants program offers a genuinely accessible funding pathway for a wide range of Queensland based applicants. The two hard requirements, holding or being able to obtain $20 million public liability insurance and having an ABN, are non negotiable, so address those first. From there, focus on a clear, well costed budget that respects the 50% equipment cap and 20% planning cap, gather your letters of support early, and aim to submit well before the 4:00pm, 29 September 2026 deadline.
Want to keep exploring your options? Grants Assist’s online portal gives you access to detailed, regularly updated information on grants and assistance programs across Australia. Explore the Grants Assist portal to browse more programs like this one, or call us on 1300-005-999 to speak with one of our advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I apply for under the Queensland STEM Engagement Grants?
You can apply for up to $25,000 (excluding GST) per application. There is no stated minimum grant amount in the official guidelines, so base your request on what your specific project genuinely requires.
Can school students apply for this grant directly?
No. School students are not eligible to apply directly. Any student led STEM project idea needs to be submitted as an application by a teacher on the school’s behalf.
Do I need public liability insurance to apply?
Yes. Applicants must hold, or be able to obtain, public liability insurance of at least $20 million.
Can Queensland Government departments apply for this grant?
No. Queensland Government departments and Queensland statutory authorities are both explicitly excluded from eligibility. However, an individual Queensland Government employee can apply in a personal capacity, such as volunteering or teaching, as long as they are not applying on behalf of their department.
When does this grant close, and when will I know if I am successful?
Applications close at 4:00pm on 29 September 2026. Outcome notifications and funding availability are expected in early 2027.
