Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027 in Australia | $180,000 Fellowship for Social Innovation Leaders

Applications are now open for the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027, one of Australia’s leading fellowship programs for social and environmental innovators. Established by the The Myer Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund, the fellowship supports visionary individuals developing breakthrough solutions to Australia’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

The fellowship provides selected innovators with 12 months of dedicated support, enabling them to focus full-time on scaling their initiatives through financial assistance, mentorship, and access to an extensive network of experts and changemakers.

Fellowship Summary

• Host Country: Australia
• Fellowship: Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027
• Organizers: The Myer Foundation & Sidney Myer Fund
• Funding: Up to AUD 180,000
• Duration: 12 Months
• Eligible Applicants: Australian innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers
• Application Deadline: 16 August 2026 (11:59 PM AEST)

Fellowship Benefits

Successful Fellows will receive:

• AUD 140,000 stipend to support living expenses throughout the 12-month fellowship.
• Up to AUD 40,000 for approved project-related expenses, such as office space, travel, convening activities, or specialist expertise.
• One-on-one mentoring from experienced professionals.
• Access to a dedicated support panel of experts.
• Specialist pitch and leadership training.
• Membership in the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellows alumni network.
• Ongoing guidance from The Myer Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund throughout the fellowship.

Program Themes

Projects should address one or more of the following priority areas:

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

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be based in Australia.
• Be applying as an individual, not on behalf of an organization.
• Lead an innovative initiative that has been in development for no more than three years.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and entrepreneurial potential.
• Show that their initiative has the potential for significant, scalable, and sustainable social or environmental impact.
• Be able to dedicate the fellowship period primarily to developing their initiative.

Projects Not Supported

The fellowship does not support:

• Academic or medical research
• International projects
• Scholarships
• Sponsorships
• Creative arts projects
• Projects focused solely on routine service delivery
• Capital campaigns
• Projects developed for more than three years
• Applications submitted by organizations rather than individuals

Application Process

Applicants must:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) during the open application period.
2. If shortlisted, prepare and submit a detailed application.
3. Participate in an interview if selected.
4. Successful fellows are announced following the final assessment process.

Selection Timeline

• Expressions of Interest Open: 13 July 2026
• EOI Deadline: 16 August 2026
• Shortlisted Applicants Invited: October 2026
• Detailed Applications Due: January 2027
• Interviews: February 2027
• Final Results: March 2027

Why Apply?

The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships offer more than funding. Fellows gain dedicated time, expert mentorship, leadership development, and access to an influential network that helps transform innovative ideas into scalable solutions with lasting social and environmental impact. The program has supported dozens of Australia’s leading changemakers since its launch in 2014.