The Western Australian Coordinating Commitee for National Science Week is offering seed grants in 2019 for activities to be held during National Science Week in August (activities encompasses an event or project). Small grants of up to $2000 (excl. GST) are available for organisations to run community activities.

Grants are available for individuals, community groups, universities, libraries, CRC’s, research institutions and other organisations to hold events for the public to engage with science. The purpose of these grants is to facilitate events or projects that add value to National Science Week in Western Australia. These grants are not intended to fund existing activities.

Get creative with your events and projects! Destination Moon: more missions, more science is the school theme for National Science Week in 2019. This theme can provide inspiration to get creative and celebrate Australia’s STEM accomplishments and spark innovation.

Last year the small grants program supported 17 activities which engaged over 2500 West Australians in National Science Week. These events included:

• Science Café Series (Peel Bright Minds)
• Fun Lab (Writing WA)
• How to Make Gold (UWA Gravity Centre)
• ChangeMakers: Bridging the Tech gap (Vic Park Library)
• What’s that Flower? (Mullewa CRC)

Project Criteria

Mandatory criteria:

• The activity engages the general public with an innovative and science-based event or project.
• The activity is held in August 2019, ideally during National Science Week (August 10-18; note events may occur anytime during the month of August and still promoted as a National Science Week event).
• The activity is free for the general public to attend.
• The grant covers the cost of consumables, promotional materials and costs associated with an invited speakers but not event coordination or staff delivery costs.
• You plan to evaluate the activity by collecting feedback from participants*.
• You will be able to complete a report upon the conclusion of your activity*.

*feedback and reporting templates will be provided by Scitech.

Desirable criteria:

• Involves two or more organisations working in partnership to coordinate the event.
• Event or project partners with, or aims to engage underrepresented, or disadvantaged groups with science (e.g. minority groups, multicultural, indigenous, low socio-economic, disability, regional or remote groups) or youth.
• Involve new or emerging programs that have not been part of National Science Week before.
• Create an opportunity for attendees to further explore science activities in their local area after the event or project.
• Uses National Science Week as a launching point for a broader program or event with lasting impacts or outcomes.

Key Dates for Grants

5 April: Grant applications open
13 May: Grant applications close
17 May: All successful applicants notified
31 May: Tax invoices due
30 June: Invoices to be paid
1 July: Event(s) registered on the National Science Week website
August: Events take place (ideally between 10 – 18 August)
15 September: Post event feedback and report submitted.

Project Promotion

Successful applicants will also be given the opportunity to promote their activities through the WA National Science Week Coordinating Committee as part of existing promotional materials. Strict deadlines will apply to any successful applicants who wish to use this opportunity.

Need some tips about organising your event? Here are some suggestions.

Applications

To apply for support please download the application form (DOCX, 143 kB) and email the completed form by 8 May 2019. Incomplete forms will not be eligible for funding.

If you have any questions about these grants please contact scienceweek@scitech.org.au.