$180,000 to Develop Bold Ideas

Support for innovators tackling Australia's toughest challenges

Each year, the Myer Foundation opens its doors to a rare kind of applicant, someone with a bold, compelling idea that could shift the dial on a deeply entrenched challenge facing Australia.

If that sounds like you or someone in your network, the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships are now accepting Expressions of Interest. With $180,000 in tax-free funding available for up to three individuals, this is not your typical grant.

This is funding for the thinkers, the builders, and the disruptors - those ready to turn ambition into action.

What Is the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowship?

Run by the Sidney Myer Fund and The Myer Foundation, this annual program provides three selected Fellows with up to $180,000 each (tax-free) to devote twelve months to the development of a groundbreaking idea.

The Fellowship is not tied to an organisation. It’s awarded to individuals. And it’s designed to give Fellows the time, space, and financial backing to deeply explore and develop solutions that could lead to long-term, transformative change in Australia.

Fellowships commence in March 2026 and are based on an initial Expression of Interest, due Monday 2 September 2025.

“The Fellowship exists to invest in people with exceptional ideas - ideas that challenge the status quo and have the potential to create lasting impact.”

What Kinds of Ideas Are Funded?

Ideas must address one of the following three key focus areas:

1. Human, Civil and Legal Rights
   Solutions advancing equity, justice, and dignity for all Australians.

2. Sustainability and the Environment
   Initiatives tackling environmental degradation, climate adaptation, or systems change in sustainability.

3. Strengthening Australia’s Democracy
   Innovations that promote civic engagement, institutional trust, or participatory democracy.

You don’t need to have all the answers. But you do need a strong understanding of the challenge you’re addressing and a compelling proposal for how you’ll use your Fellowship year to push the work forward.

This is not about funding a full-scale delivery project. It’s about backing people with the potential to drive bold systems change.

Who Can Apply?

The Fellowship is open to individuals based in Australia, working independently or in affiliation with a not-for-profit, academic institution, or social enterprise.

Applicants must:

• Be Australian citizens or permanent residents

• Have a well-defined, impactful idea that aligns with one of the three key areas

• Be available to work full-time on their Fellowship project from March 2026 to February 2027

Note: Joint applications are not accepted, and the Fellowship is not designed to fund the continuation of existing programs or core operating costs for organisations.

Who Should Consider Applying?

You should consider applying if:

• You’re a social entrepreneur, researcher, campaigner, or changemaker with a clear systems-level idea

• You’ve spotted a gap that no one else is filling, and you have the background, network, or credibility to pursue it

• You need time and space (and funding) to test, refine, and advance your idea

• You’re working outside the box and ready to challenge how things are done

It’s an especially strong fit for early-to-mid career leaders who’ve already demonstrated impact, and who are now looking to scale that into a new domain or issue area.

The most successful past applicants are those who can clearly communicate:

• The scale and urgency of the problem

• Why their approach is different

• Why they are the right person to lead it

If you're unsure, don’t self-exclude. This Fellowship is made for those who often sit at the edges of traditional funding pathways.

Let’s Strengthen Your Application

At Funding4Growth, we believe powerful ideas deserve powerful applications. That’s why we’re offering our Tier 3 Application Review Service (Full Diagnostic) at Tier 2 Pricing for this opportunity.

This includes:

• A comprehensive review of your draft EOI

• Strategic framing of your problem statement and solution

• A written report identifying strength and opportunities for enhancement

• 2-day turnaround, and 2nd review after enhancements

You’ll receive the same in-depth support we’ve provided to other funding-focused women - designed to help you communicate your vision with clarity and impact.

🔗 Book Your Application Review
Offer valid until 20 August 2025.

* Note: while this Fellowship is advertised as Tax Free it is important to consult your Accountant or the Program team for further clartification.