Up to $2 million to increase women and girl’s participation in STEM education and careers

The Australian Government are inviting eligible entities to apply for competitive grants between $1 million and $2 million to support gender equity initiatives that eliminate barriers for women’s participation in STEM education and careers, and entrepreneurship.

Program Objectives

• Increae awareness and participation of girls and women in STEM education and careers

• Increase awareness and participation of girls and women in other parts of the innovation ecosystem

• Increase the number of women in senior leadership and decision making positions in government, research organisations, industry and business

Eligible Entities will:

• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN)

• Be one of the following entities:

  • an entity incorporated in Australia

  • a publicly funded research organisation (PFRO) or publicly funded research agency (PFRA)

  • a government or non-government vocational education and training (VDET) provider, or technical and further education (TAFE) institution

  • an incorporated not for profit organisation

• Meet all additional eligibility requirements outline in the grant program guidelines

Joint applications are acceptable providing the lead organisation is an eligible applicant, is the main driver of the project, will sign the grant funding agreement, and is responsible for making sure the group follows all rules and obligations in the funding agreement.

Eligible Projects must:

• reduce and/or mitigate systemic and cultural barriers to participation in STEM education, careers, innovation and entrepreneurship by girls and women

• reduce the multiplier effect of intersectional barriers to participation, development and leadership of girls and women in STEM education, careers, innovation and entrepreneurship

• address inequality or discrimination against girls and women in STEM education, careers, innovation and/or entrepreneurship

• include project evaluation that will track the progress of your project, and your ability to effect lasting systemic and cultural change

• be co-designed with the target audience of the project

• have at least $1 million in eligible expenditure

Applications close at 5:00pm (AEDT) on Wednesday 18 February 2026.

For more information and access to the online application form click here.

GrantSmart may be able to offer to help prepare your application or offer a review service. For more information email us by clicking EMAIL.