Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027 Open in Australia with Up to AUD 180,000 for Social and Environmental Changemakers ·Unknown

The Sidney Myer Fund and The Myer Foundation have opened applications for the 2027 Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships, offering outstanding Australian innovators an opportunity to dedicate 12 months to advancing transformative solutions that address the country’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are open until 11:59 pm AEST on Sunday, 16 August 2026, with successful Fellows receiving funding of up to AUD 180,000 alongside mentoring, expert guidance and access to an influential network of innovators.

The fellowship is designed to give experienced changemakers the time, financial support and professional resources needed to scale innovative initiatives capable of delivering long-term positive impact across Australia.

About the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships

The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships support individuals leading innovative projects that have the potential to create meaningful change in society and the environment.

Rather than funding new ideas at the concept stage, the fellowship focuses on existing initiatives that have demonstrated promise and are ready to accelerate their impact.

Projects must align with one or more of the programme’s priority themes:

• Inclusion and Equality.

• Sustainability and Environment, including climate change.

• Human, Civil and Legal Rights.

The fellowship encourages bold thinking, practical innovation and scalable solutions capable of addressing complex national challenges.

Fellowship Funding and Benefits

Each successful Fellow may receive funding of up to AUD 180,000 over a 12-month period.

The funding package includes:

• AUD 140,000 as a personal stipend to enable recipients to dedicate themselves full-time to their fellowship.

• Up to AUD 40,000 for approved project expenses reimbursed throughout the fellowship.

Eligible project expenses may include:

• Workspace rental.

• Travel costs.

• Engagement of external consultants or specialist expertise.

In addition to financial support, Fellows receive access to:

• Quarterly meetings with an expert advisory panel.

• Individual mentoring.

• Networking opportunities with current and previous Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellows.

• Ongoing professional support throughout the fellowship year.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship welcomes applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to creating lasting social or environmental impact.

Competitive applicants are expected to demonstrate initiatives that are:

• High impact and capable of producing measurable outcomes.

• Innovative and different from existing approaches.

• Scalable and sustainable over time.

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• A proven record of achievement.

• Entrepreneurial thinking.

• Strong professional networks.

• Passion for their chosen cause.

• Willingness to collaborate and learn from others.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

• Reside in Australia for most of the fellowship period.

• Be prepared to take a 12-month sabbatical from their current role.

• Demonstrate a proven track record of achievement.

• Show evidence of innovative thinking and the ability to translate ideas into action.

• Possess established networks relevant to the proposed project.

Project Eligibility

Projects submitted for consideration must:

• Be based in Australia.

• Align with at least one fellowship theme.

• Have been in development for no longer than three years.

Projects should demonstrate strong potential for long-term growth, sustainability and broad societal impact.

Projects That Are Not Eligible

The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships do not support:

• Academic research or higher degree programmes.

• Medical research.

• Disease-specific initiatives.

• International projects.

• Scholarships.

• Sponsorships.

• Creative arts projects.

• Education or curriculum-based programmes.

• Funding hubs or accelerators.

• Capital campaigns.

• Organisational applications.

• Projects focused solely on routine programme or service delivery.

• Collaborative applications involving multiple individuals, except where one co-founder submits the application.

Application Timeline

Applicants should take note of the following key dates:

• 13 July 2026 – Expressions of Interest opened.

• 16 August 2026 – Expressions of Interest close at 11:59 pm AEST.

• Week beginning 19 October 2026 – Shortlisted applicants invited to submit detailed applications.

• 10 January 2027 – Detailed application deadline.

• February 2027 – Interviews with selected candidates.

• March 2027 – Announcement of the 2027 Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellows.

Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances, and applicants cannot submit additional information after the Expression of Interest deadline.

Fellowship Expectations

Recipients are expected to dedicate the fellowship year to progressing their projects while engaging fully with the programme’s learning and support activities.

Although the fellowship is intentionally flexible and not tied to rigid performance indicators, Fellows are required to deliver:

• A mid-term presentation.

• A final presentation summarising fellowship progress and outcomes.

The programme is designed to provide participants with the freedom to explore innovative approaches while benefiting from expert guidance and peer collaboration.

Supporting Australia’s Next Generation of Changemakers

The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships continue to invest in visionary individuals whose ideas have the potential to create meaningful and lasting impact across Australia.

By providing financial support, mentorship and access to experienced advisors, the fellowship enables innovators to strengthen initiatives addressing inclusion, sustainability, climate action and human rights.

Individuals with ambitious, scalable and impact-driven projects are encouraged to submit their Expressions of Interest before the 16 August 2026 deadline.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.