Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027: Applications Open for Australia's Prestigious AUD $180,000 Fellowship

Applications are now open for the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027, an outstanding funding opportunity supporting visionary Australians working to solve some of the country’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. Administered by the Sidney Myer Fund and The Myer Foundation, the fellowship provides selected innovators with the financial support, mentorship, and dedicated time needed to accelerate impactful projects.

Each fellowship provides up to AUD $180,000 over 12 months, allowing recipients to step away from their current roles and focus entirely on scaling innovative initiatives that can deliver lasting societal and environmental benefits. Applications for the 2027 fellowship are open until Sunday, 16 August 2026.

About the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships

The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships were established to empower experienced individuals whose projects have the potential to create transformational change across Australia. Rather than funding new ideas, the programme supports existing initiatives that have already demonstrated traction and are ready to grow.

The fellowship is designed to give innovators the freedom, resources, and expert guidance needed to deepen their work and maximise long-term impact. Fellows also become part of a supportive community of mentors, advisors, and previous award recipients committed to advancing innovative solutions.

Fellowship Themes

Projects must align with at least one of the programme’s priority areas:

Inclusion and Equality
Sustainability and Environment (including Climate Change)
Human, Civil and Legal Rights

The programme welcomes projects that tackle complex challenges with creative, scalable, and sustainable approaches capable of generating measurable benefits for Australian communities.

Fellowship Funding

Each selected Fellow may receive up to AUD $180,000, consisting of:

AUD $140,000 stipend to support the Fellow during the 12-month sabbatical.
Up to AUD $40,000 for approved project-related expenses, reimbursed as eligible costs are incurred.

Family Support

Fellows accompanied by at least one child may also receive an additional family allowance of AUD $250 per month during the fellowship period.

What Project Expenses Can Be Covered?

The project expense allocation can support costs directly related to implementing the fellowship project, including:

Travel
Specialist consultancy or external expertise
Separate workspace rental (where required)
Other approved project implementation costs

These expenses are available on a reimbursement basis.

Additional Fellowship Support

Beyond financial assistance, Fellows benefit from an extensive development programme that includes:

Quarterly meetings with an expert advisory panel
Individual mentoring
Access to a network of previous Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellows
Opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange

This combination of funding and professional support is intended to strengthen each Fellow’s ability to grow and scale their initiative.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship seeks individuals with demonstrated experience, strong leadership, and innovative approaches to solving Australia’s most pressing challenges.

Applicants should demonstrate:

A proven track record of achievement.
Entrepreneurial thinking.
Commitment to creating positive impact.
Strong professional networks.
Passion for their chosen cause.
Willingness to collaborate and learn.

Projects should be:

High impact
Innovative
Scalable
Sustainable
Aligned with one or more programme themes

The programme encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Reside in Australia for most of the fellowship period.
Be willing to take a 12-month sabbatical from their current role.
Have an established record of achievement.
Demonstrate innovative thinking and the ability to translate ideas into action.
Possess well-developed networks relevant to their proposed project.

The proposed initiative must:

Be based in Australia.
Align with one or more of the programme themes.
Have been in development for no more than three years.

Projects Not Eligible for Funding

The fellowship does not support:

Projects developed for more than three years.
Academic research or higher degree study.
Medical research.
Disease-specific initiatives.
International projects.
Scholarships.
Sponsorships.
Funding hubs or accelerators.
Creative arts projects.
Education curriculum projects.
Organisation-led initiatives.
Routine service delivery programmes.
Capital campaigns and fundraising events.

Fellowship Expectations

The fellowship is designed to provide recipients with dedicated time to advance their work rather than requiring strict performance targets.

However, Fellows are expected to:

Focus full-time on their fellowship project.
Participate in programme activities.
Deliver a mid-term presentation.
Deliver a final presentation summarising progress and outcomes.

Application Process

The application begins with an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Following submission:

Expressions of Interest are reviewed.
Shortlisted applicants are invited to prepare a detailed application.
Selected candidates attend interviews.
Final Fellows are announced in March 2027.

Application Timeline

Key dates include:

13 July 2026 – Expressions of Interest open.
16 August 2026 (11:59 pm AEST) – Expressions of Interest close.
Week beginning 19 October 2026 – Shortlisted applicants invited to submit detailed applications.
10 January 2027 – Detailed applications due.
February 2027 – Interviews.
March 2027 – Fellowship recipients announced.

Late applications and additional documents submitted after the deadline are not accepted.

Why Apply?

The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships provide far more than financial assistance. They offer talented innovators the opportunity to dedicate an entire year to advancing solutions capable of delivering lasting positive change across Australia.

Recipients gain access to funding, mentoring, expert advice, and a strong professional network that can help transform promising initiatives into scalable, sustainable solutions.

Final Thoughts

The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027 represent one of Australia’s leading opportunities for innovators working in social impact, environmental sustainability, and human rights.

With funding of up to AUD $180,000, dedicated mentorship, and a year to focus on scaling an existing initiative, the fellowship offers a unique platform for experienced changemakers to maximise their impact.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to prepare a strong Expression of Interest and submit it before 16 August 2026.

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