Collections and acquisitions preserve the objects, specimens and stories that help tell Western Australia’s natural and cultural history. Through careful collecting, documentation and conservation, the Museum builds collections that create meaningful public experiences and safeguard important scientific and cultural knowledge for generations to come.
Research and fieldwork bring together scientific expertise, careful analysis and Indigenous-led knowledge to uncover new insights into Western Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. Through collaboration, exploration and discovery, these projects build research capacity, strengthen partnerships and contribute valuable knowledge with impact well beyond Western Australia.
Engaging exhibitions, diverse stories and interactive digital experiences bring Western Australia’s natural and cultural heritage to life. These projects encourage inclusion, deepen learning and understanding, and strengthen connections between communities and WA’s rich cultural and natural stories, creating meaningful experiences for people across the State.
Building stronger connections between the WA Museum and communities through engaging education programs, learning experiences and outreach initiatives that increase knowledge, encourage participation, inspire curiosity and build lasting trust.
Touring programs, digital initiatives and regional projects take the Museum beyond its walls and into communities across Western Australia. By sharing diverse stories and creating greater access to the Museum’s collections, knowledge and experiences, these activities deliver meaningful and lasting value across the State.
Impact Across WA
Our Grant Streams
Funding projects that deliver
lasting impact for Western Australia.
The Foundation for the WA Museum provides a range of grant opportunities that support projects, research, exhibitions, and emerging initiatives across the WA Museum.
Through six funding streams, the Foundation supports programs that deliver social, cultural and scientific impact, advance the Museum’s strategic priorities and create lasting benefits for Western Australia.
From small staff-led projects to major multi-year initiatives and international exhibitions, our grants provide flexible funding that enables the Museum to innovate, collaborate and engage with communities.
Strategic Grants
Strategic Grants of $100,000 or more support significant initiatives delivered over one to three years and aligned with WA Museum priorities. Applications are accepted annually on a rolling basis, subject to available funding and CEO approval, supporting transformative projects that deliver meaningful social, cultural or scientific impact.
Strategic Project Grants
Strategic Project Grants of $15,000 to $100,000 support projects delivered over one to two years and aligned with WA Museum priorities. Applications are accepted annually on a rolling basis, subject to available funding and CEO approval, supporting projects that deliver meaningful social, cultural or scientific impact.
Rapid Response Grants
Rapid Response Grants provide flexible funding of any amount, with project duration determined by the opportunity. Applications are accepted at any time, subject to available funding and CEO approval, supporting urgent needs, unexpected opportunities, acquisitions, research collaborations or critical funding gaps.
Minderoo Grants
Minderoo Project Grants of up to $15,000 support low-cost, high-impact projects completed within 12 months. Offered annually through a competitive EOI process, these grants enable WA Museum staff to successfully deliver innovative projects aligned with Museum priorities that create meaningful social, cultural or scientific benefits for the wider community.
Visiting Fellowship Grants
Visiting Fellowships of up to $8,000 support national and international collaboration and knowledge exchange for up to one year. Offered through an EOI process, fellowships connect the WA Museum with specialists, researchers or practitioners to strengthen networks, expertise, research capacity and engagement with collections and programs.
Marine Sustainability Grants
Marine Sustainability Fund Grants provide flexible funding to support marine research, conservation and sustainability initiatives across Western Australia. Applications are accepted at any time, subject to available funding and CEO approval, enabling the WA Museum to respond to emerging opportunities, research priorities and projects that advance marine knowledge and sustainability.
If you would like to learn more about any of the grants featured here, please contact our Grants Team on grants@fwam.com.au. We’re happy to provide further information and help with any questions you may have.
YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE WA MUSEUM MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
The Foundation for the WA Museum mobilises, harnesses and directs your support for the Western Australian Museum to increase the Museum's cultural, scientific, educational and social impact and help secure its long-term financial sustainability. By supporting the Foundation, you are supporting five key pillars of the WA Museum's work
