Funding and expert support for individuals with bold ideas to tackle pressing social and environmental issues, enabling full-time focus on a project over 12 months.
Current status of program
Opening Soon
Expressions of Interest will open on Monday, 14 July 2025.
To register your interest in seeking our assistance with applying, please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships?
The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships are dedicated to supporting individuals with bold ideas to tackle Australia’s most pressing social and environmental issues. The Fellowship provides a rare opportunity for recipients to focus full-time on a project over 12 months, with funding and access to expert support.
Projects must align with one or more of the following program themes:
- Inclusion & Equality
- Sustainability & Environment (including climate change)
- Human, Civil & Legal Rights
Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships level of support
Total funding available: Up to $180,000 per Fellow
- Stipend: $140,000
- Projectexpenses: Up to $40,000 (on a reimbursement basis)
- This grant does not require co-contribution.
Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships important dates
- Expressions of Interest open: Monday, 14 July 2025
- Expressions of Interest close: Sunday, 17 August 2025 (11:59pm AEST)
- Shortlisted applicants notified: Week beginning Monday, 20 October 2025
- Detailed applications due: Sunday, 4 January 2026 (11:59pm AEDT)
- Candidate interviews: February 2026
- Fellows announced: March 2026
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships objectives
The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships aim to:
- Support individuals developing bold, high-impact ideas that address Australia’s most pressing social and environmental challenges
- Enable Fellows to focus full-time for 12 months on progressing innovative initiatives with the potential for deep and lasting impact
- Promote scalable, sustainable solutions aligned with program themes of Inclusion & Equality, Sustainability & Environment (including climate change), and Human, Civil & Legal Rights
- Foster a cohort of entrepreneurial, passionate changemakers with strong networks and a commitment to systems-level thinking
Projects and expenditure eligible for Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships support
Eligible projects must:
- Be based in Australia
- Align with one or more Fellowship program themes
- Have been in development for less than three years
- Be innovative, scalable, and high-impact
Fellows also benefit from:
- Quarterly expert panel meetings
- Dedicated mentorship
- Access to a supportive network of past Fellows
Project expenses can include workspace rental, travel, and external expertise.
Ineligible Expenditure
The Fellowship will not support:
- Projects developed for more than 3 years
- Fundraising events or capital/endowment campaigns
- Medical research, or initiatives focused on specific diseases
- Academic research or higher degree work
- Projects with a curriculum/education focus
- Projects outside Australia
- Scholarships or sponsorships
- Creative arts projects
- Projects created by or for organisations
- Projects focused on regular program or service delivery
- Collaborations (only one co-founder may apply, if applicable)
- Accelerators or funding hubs
Other Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships important details that you will need to know
Individuals eligible for Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships support
Individuals must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Reside in Australia for the majority of the Fellowship period
- Be prepared to take a 12-month sabbatical from their current role
- Have a proven track record of achievement
- Be a risk-taker with a well-formed idea ready for action
- Have well-developed networks in the field of the proposed project
Note: This program supports individual efforts, not organisations or teams.
Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships assessment criteria
The program is seeking projects that are:
- High Impact: Likely to produce results that align with one or more of the program’s priority areas
- Unique: Distinct from existing approaches, or applying proven ideas in new ways or contexts
- Scalable & Sustainable: Potential for expansion and long-term impact
Applicants are assessed on their ability to:
- Demonstrate entrepreneurial experience and subject matter expertise
- Show a genuine passion and deep networks in the project area
- Be collegial and curious, open to collaboration and learning
- Translate their ideas into action (not just vision, but demonstrated substance and readiness)
Note: While assessment weightings are not specified, strong evidence across all criteria will strengthen an application.
How do I get the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships application
Applicants should be ready to submit:
A concise Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining the project’s:
- Alignment with Fellowship themes
- Stage of development (must be < 3 years)
- Potential for innovation and impact
A personal profile demonstrating:
- Past achievements
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Relevant networks and partnerships
A general plan for the use of time and funds during the Fellowship year.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships
All applications must be submitted through Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships page.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships resources
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