About the opportunity
The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships aim to support breakthrough solutions to Australia’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. A Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for recipients to take 12 months, supported by $180,000, to focus on their existing projects that have the potential to achieve positive outcomes for society and the environment, supporting initiatives that align with one or more of the program themes of inclusion & equality, sustainability & environment including climate change, or human, civil & legal rights. Fellows receive a combination of time, resources and a program of support to help progress their existing work, and grow and scale their impact.
Funding and benefits
- Up to $180,000 available to each Fellow for their 12-month Fellowship
- Stipend of $140,000 to cover living expenses
- Up to $40,000 for approved project expenses (such as renting a separate workspace, travel, and contracting external expertise)
- Access to a range of supports including a panel of experts meeting quarterly, a mentor, and the network of past Fellows
Who can apply?
- Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Must reside in Australia for the majority of the Fellowship period
- Must be prepared to take a sabbatical from current role for 12 months
- Must have a proven track record of achievement
- Must pursue out-of-the-box thinking and be a risk-taker
- Must have an ability to turn well-formulated ideas or new approaches into action
- Must have well-developed networks within an area of the proposed project
- Proposed project must be based in Australia
- Proposed project must be aligned with one or more of the program themes (Inclusion & Equality, Sustainability & Environment including climate change, or Human, Civil & Legal rights)
- Proposed project must have been in development for not longer than three years
Required documents
- Expression of interest form
- Detailed application (if shortlisted)
When to apply
- Monday 13 July 2026: Expressions of interest open
- Sunday 16 August 2026 (11.59pm AEST): Expressions of interest close
- Week beginning Monday 19 October 2026: Shortlisted candidates invited to prepare a detailed application
- Sunday 10 January 2027 (by 11.59pm AEDT): Closing date for detailed applications from shortlisted applicants
- February 2027: Interviews for selected candidates
- March 2027: Confirmation of 2027 Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellows
How to apply
- Read and ensure compliance with all eligibility criteria
- Submit an expression of interest via the official online form before the deadline
Additional information
- Part-time Fellowships are considered only in circumstances where the applicant has caring responsibilities. Applicants who wish to maintain full, part-time, or casual employment are not eligible.
- The Fellowship is not tied to specific KPIs or objectives, but Fellows are required to complete a mid-term and final presentation.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Australian citizens or permanent residents with a proven track record of achievement
- Innovators working on projects in inclusion, sustainability, or human rights
- Individuals ready to take a 12-month sabbatical to focus exclusively on their project
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must be prepared to step away from their current employment for the full year
- The project must be based in Australia and have been in development for three years or less
- The fellowship does not allow for concurrent full-time or part-time employment
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is designed for those who have a well-formulated idea but need the time and financial runway to scale it into a breakthrough solution. If your goal is to transition from a side project to a full-time, high-impact initiative, the $180,000 in support and access to expert mentorship provide the ideal environment to accelerate your work.
Our take
This is a premier opportunity for dedicated social innovators ready to commit fully to their vision; it is not suitable for those who cannot afford to take a year-long sabbatical from their current professional roles.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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