Got a great idea but don’t know how to get it off the ground? Finding the time and funding to kickstart a new social innovation can be difficult. You can have what you think is the best idea in the world but without the resources to make it happen, all you really have is, well, an idea. And ideas are a dime a dozen.

To make things even more challenging, because you’re an individual it is likely that your idea is ineligible for funding from many grant-makers, trusts, and other philanthropic funders which are limited to funding organisations with charitable status. Fortunately, new programs headed by forward-thinking organisations are emerging to help budding changemakers really make a difference.

Imagine being given twelve months and $150,000 to pursue your big idea for social change? While this may sound too good to be true, it is exactly what The Myer Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund is offering to exceptional leaders across all sectors (private, public and not-for-profit) and from all types of professional backgrounds.

Over the past eight years, the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowship program has supported some of Australia’s brightest, self-directed leaders to forge breakthrough solutions to challenges facing Australia today – from poverty and disadvantage to human, civil and legal rights to sustainability and the environment. Unlike, many opportunities for social change, the Fellowship program provides support to individuals rather than organisations.

As a Fellow, you will have the unique opportunity to take twelve months away from your current role to develop your ground-breaking idea into a plan for action. Fellows will each receive $120,000 for their twelve-month commitment to the program and an additional $30,000 will be available to each Fellow for approved expenses such as workspace, rent, travel and contracting of external expertise.

If you’re hoping to be a recipient, the competition is strong. But it’s worth it – the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowship can take your idea (and your career) to new heights and make your dreams a reality. Here Fellowship alumni share their tips on how to make your application stand out…