Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027 in Australia | Funding of Up to AUD $180,000
The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027 offer a unique opportunity for Australian innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to develop breakthrough solutions to some of the country’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. Supported by the The Myer Foundation and the Sidney Myer Fund, the fellowship provides up to AUD $180,000 over 12 months, allowing selected Fellows to focus full-time on innovative projects with the potential to create lasting positive impact.
The fellowship supports initiatives aligned with the themes of Inclusion & Equality, Sustainability & Environment (including climate change), and Human, Civil & Legal Rights. Applications for the 2027 intake are open from 13 July 2026 to 16 August 2026.
Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027 Details
- Host Country: Australia
- Host Organizations: The Myer Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund
- Programme Name: Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships
- Fellowship Duration: 12 Months
- Funding: Up to AUD $180,000
- Eligible Nationality: Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents
- Application Mode: Online
- Application Deadline: 16 August 2026
Available Subjects
Projects must align with at least one of the following areas:
- Inclusion & Equality
- Sustainability & Environment
- Climate Change
- Human Rights
- Civil Rights
- Legal Rights
The fellowship aims to support innovative ideas that can be scaled and sustained over time to create deep and wide societal impact.
Benefits
Each selected Fellow may receive funding of up to AUD $180,000, including:
Stipend
- AUD $140,000 personal stipend over 12 months.
Project Funding
- Up to AUD $40,000 for approved project-related expenses, including:
- Workspace rental
- Travel expenses
- External expertise or consultancy
- Other approved project costs
Additional Support
Fellows will also receive:
- Mentorship from experienced advisors
- Access to expert panels
- Quarterly meetings with specialists
- Networking opportunities with previous Fellows
- Professional guidance to scale impact
- Dedicated time to focus entirely on their project
Eligibility Criteria
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 a proven record of achievement.
- Demonstrate innovative and entrepreneurial thinking.
- Be capable of transforming ideas into practical action.
- Have strong networks related to the proposed project.
Project Requirements
The proposed initiative must:
- Be based in Australia.
- Align with at least one fellowship theme.
- Have been in development for no longer than three years.
- Show potential for significant impact.
- Be innovative, scalable, and sustainable.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The fellowship seeks projects that are:
- High impact
- Innovative or unique
- Scalable
- Sustainable
- Community-focused
- Capable of creating long-term change
Examples of supported areas include:
- Climate and environmental solutions
- Social inclusion initiatives
- Equality and justice projects
- Human rights advocacy
- Community innovation models
Funding Exclusions
The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships do not support:
- Academic research projects
- Medical research
- Disease-specific initiatives
- International projects
- Scholarships
- Sponsorships
- Creative arts projects
- Educational curriculum projects
- Organisational applications
- Fundraising campaigns
- Accelerators or funding hubs
- Projects older than three years
- Collaborative applications from multiple individuals
Application Procedure
To apply for the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships:
- Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Prepare an innovative project proposal aligned with the fellowship themes.
- Complete the online Expression of Interest form.
- Submit the application before 11:59 PM AEST on 16 August 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a detailed application.
- Selected applicants will participate in interviews before final decisions are made.
Late submissions and additional materials submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Why Apply for the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowship?
The fellowship provides one of Australia’s most generous innovation grants for individuals working on social and environmental challenges. It offers not only significant financial support but also mentorship, expert guidance, networking opportunities, and dedicated time to transform promising ideas into impactful solutions.
