Funding for interactive science experiences
Exscite Trust supports projects that get school-aged students actively involved in science through practical, interactive learning.
We're looking to fund
Interactive or hands on workshops or science programmes
School or community-based events
Equipment that enables practical science learning
Pilot projects or new initiatives
Teacher professional learning that supports hands-on science delivery
We prioritise hands-on science projects for school-aged children in the Waikato, and are unlikely to fund operating costs, adult-focused activities, private profit projects, or initiatives without a clear interactive science component.
Tell us what you’re thinking. We’re here to help good ideas grow.
Exsciting Grants on Offer
Exscite Trust supports projects that get school-aged students actively involved in science through practical, interactive learning.
We're looking to fund
Interactive or hands on workshops or science programmes
School or community-based events
Equipment that enables practical science learning
Pilot projects or new initiatives
Teacher professional learning that supports hands-on science delivery
We prioritise hands-on science projects for school-aged children in the Waikato, and are unlikely to fund operating costs, adult-focused activities, private profit projects, or initiatives without a clear interactive science component.
Your project will be a good fit if it...
Involves hands-on, interactive science
Is for school-aged children
Takes place in the defined Waikato region
Focuses on curiosity, exploration, and real-world learning
Is clear, achievable, and well planned
Represents good value for money
Your project will be stronger if it...
Reaches a meaningful number of children
Encourages ongoing interest in science
Has community support or partnerships
Includes co-funding or shared resources
Has potential for impact beyond the activity
We welcome applications from...
Schools
Community groups
Organisations
Homeschooling networks
Science educators and communicators
In some cases, individuals with a clear connection to the education or science community can apply.
Applications will be assessed on how well they align with interactive science learning, their potential reach and impact, how feasible they are to deliver, and whether they offer value for money.
We also look favourably on projects that show community support, involve collaboration or partnerships, make use of co-funding or shared resources, and have the potential for ongoing impact.
You must be in the Central Waikato Region to apply - Hamilton City, Waikato, Waipa and Matamata-Piako districts as below
Waikato Areas Suitable for Exscite Trust Funding
Funding Round Dates
Key dates — Round 1, 2026
Expression of interest closes
Committee review
EOI outcomes announced
Full applications close
Committee review
Funding decisions announced
1st June
15th June
By 26th June
31st July
17th August
By 28th August
How it Works
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Check your fit
Read the funding criteria below, and make sure your idea aligns.
Your project will be a good fit if it...
Involves hands-on, interactive science
Is for school-aged children
Takes place in the defined Waikato region
Focuses on curiosity, exploration, and real-world learning
Is clear, achievable, and well planned
Represents good value for money
Your project will be stronger if it...
Reaches a meaningful number of children
Encourages ongoing interest in science
Has community support or partnerships
Includes co-funding or shared resources
Has potential for impact beyond the activity
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Submit Your Expression of Interest
Fill out our short form to give us a summary of your project.
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Initial Review
We'll check eligibility and if the project fits our funding purpose, we'll invite you to submit a full application.
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Submit Full Application
If your project is shortlisted, we'll send you a link to the full application. You can preview the application below, this is for reference only.
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Funding Outcome
Trustees review full applications and make funding decisions. In some instances, you may be invited to discuss your proposal with the Trust.
If your application is successful, we’ll confirm the scope of your project and provide funding to support its delivery. We’ll stay in touch as your project progresses, and you’ll be asked to share a short update on outcomes, along with any relevant evidence. Any unspent funds must be returned to the Trust, or approved for an alternative use.