Finding funding for STEM projects in schools can be tricky, but it certainly can be a lot easier when you know some places to look! The following details some of the areas where you can source that funding for robotics kits, makers spaces or science incursions for your school. These grants and funding sites are outside of the standard programmed funding that your school receives. Of course, this doesn’t cover all of the funding opportunities available however it’s a good start and we’ll add to the list as we find them!

Schools Plus

The Schools Plus website is a little like Kickstarter for schools. Through the Fundraise Yourself platform, you can post information about your project and its benefits and crowdfund your project through your community network. Plus, through the Smart Giving program, the Schools Plus team will help connect your school’s project to individuals, businesses and foundations who are passionate about supporting education. Find out if you are one of 4600 schools who are eligible!

Applications are ongoing.

BankWest Easy Grants

Every month Bank West takes the first 40 applications that fit their entry criteria and puts them up for a public vote. The 6 projects with the highest votes receive $1000 and the rest receive $200 each. Why not give it a try?

Applications close monthly

STEM 2020 Scholarships

The NSW Department of Education is providing up to 50 scholarships for remote, rural and regional teachers from NSW public schools to attend one of the STEM 2020 events below:

Monday 27 April and Tuesday 28 April 2020

• Hunter conference (Mon.) and Deep Dive Workshops (Tues.) – Crowne Plaza, Hunter Valley

Monday 27 April 2020

• Port Macquarie Conference – Sails by Rydges, Port Macquarie
• Bathurst Conference – Charles Sturt University Campus, Bathurst
• Wagga Wagga Conference – Charles Sturt University Campus, Wagga Wagga

Applications close 21 February, 2020!

Queensland – Brighter Futures

Supported by Arrow Energy and designed to support organisations that are working to develop stronger Queensland communities in three areas:

• health and safety
• education
• environment.

You can submit a proposal that meets are based around small scale investments to meet community needs or get assistance for one-off, local events or projects.

There are three application rounds closing dates;

• March 6, 2020
• June 5, 2020
• September 4, 2020

Maker Projects: Community STEM Engagement grants 2020

Apply for between $20,000 to $100,000 of funding for up to two years in duration to create community-based Maker Spaces for children under 18 years old.  If you’re a school, you’ll need to partner with a University or business for this one.

Applications close 19 February, 2020

Sustainable Schools Grants – Round 2

Supported by School Infrastructure NSW’s Sustainable Schools, all NSW public schools and preschools are eligible to apply for funding of up to $15,000, to deliver hands-on, sustainability-focused projects that link to the NSW curriculum.  This is a great opportunity to build that greenhouse, vegetable garden or habitat!

Applications open in November 2020

NSW – Eco Schools

Apply for a grant of up to $3500 for an environmental management project in your NSW school. These grants are awarded annually. No specific date for submissions is given on the website – reach out to get more information!

Applications open in 2020

First Australia

Create a robotics team for your school or library to compete in the First Lego League Competition. Supported by Google Australia, this grant will provide robotics resources, mentoring and support from First Lego League and fees covered for your first year in the competition.

Applications ongoing

Strengthening Rural Communities Larger Leverage Grants

Created by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), the Strengthening Rural Communities program is aimed at supporting small rural, regional and remote communities across Australia through funding that can support broad community needs. Schools will need to partner with non-profit community-based organisations

• Applications ongoing for both the Larger Leverage Grants & the Tackling Tougher Times
  
• The Visy Tumut Region Recovery Fund applications close February 28, 2020

Happy teaching,

Ben Newsome