Deadline: 16-Jun-2026
The Social Change Fellowship Program is designed for purpose-driven leaders working to address major social issues affecting Australian communities.
The fellowship supports individuals who have already demonstrated measurable social impact and want to expand their leadership capabilities, networks, and influence.
The program combines:
- Financial support for professional development
- Leadership training and mentoring
- National networking opportunities
- Long-term engagement with Australia’s social impact community
Key Focus Areas
The fellowship supports leadership growth in areas including:
- Social entrepreneurship
- Community wellbeing
- Social innovation and impact
- Leadership development
- Professional growth and experiential learning
- Mentoring and coaching
- Stakeholder engagement and networking
- Community-driven social initiatives
Funding Details
Successful fellows can receive:
- Up to AUD 50,000 for personal leadership and professional development activities
Funding may support:
- Domestic and international study tours
- Short courses (up to four weeks)
- Conferences and leadership events
- Coaching and mentoring programs
- Networking and stakeholder engagement activities
Additional Fellowship Benefits
Fellows also receive access to:
- Tailored leadership development programming
- In-person residential learning experiences
- Online coaching and virtual learning sessions
- The Westpac 100 Scholars Network
- The annual Westpac Scholars Summit in Sydney
The network connects fellows with:
- Social impact leaders
- Scholars and alumni
- Academics and industry experts
- Community and innovation professionals
What the Fellowship Does NOT Fund
The program does not support:
- Organisational operating expenses
- Project implementation costs
- Salaries or wages
- Long-duration courses exceeding four weeks
- Medical research
- Fundraising activities
- Sponsorships
- Capital purchases or equipment
- Religious-focused initiatives
- Animal welfare projects
- Policy change or political advocacy activities
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have demonstrated leadership in social change initiatives
- Hold a leadership role within an organisation or initiative
- Work on issues affecting Australian communities
- Show measurable social impact and community support
Applicants must also:
- Seek funding for personal development rather than organisational costs
- Be available to fully participate during the fellowship year
Organisation Eligibility Rule
For organisations with fewer than 50 employees:
- Only one individual per organisation may receive the fellowship in each application year
Evaluation Priorities
Applications are likely assessed based on:
- Demonstrated social impact and leadership
- Commitment to community change
- Potential for future impact growth
- Strength of professional development plan
- Community support and engagement
- Alignment with fellowship objectives
Why This Fellowship Matters
The fellowship strengthens Australia’s social impact sector by investing directly in leaders working to solve community challenges.
It helps:
- Build long-term leadership capacity
- Support innovation in social change initiatives
- Strengthen collaboration across sectors
- Expand professional and community networks
- Increase sustainable community impact
Conclusion
The Social Change Fellowship Program provides up to AUD 50,000 to support Australian leaders working on social impact initiatives. Through funding, mentoring, leadership training, and national networking opportunities, the fellowship helps purpose-driven individuals strengthen their ability to create meaningful and sustainable change in Australian communities.
For more information, visit Scholars.
