Polished Innovators Social Venture Fellowship (Australia)

The Polished Innovators Fellowship is a three-year program designed to support grassroots leaders in Australia who are committed to preventing gendered violence. This initiative provides participants with knowledge, community support, and funding to develop sustainable social ventures. Applications open on 2 November 2026 and close at 11:59 pm AEDT on 29 November 2026.

Opportunity at a Glance:

- Provider: Polished Man Campaign

- Opportunity Type: Fellowship

- Funding: Untied seed grant in year one, impact capital in years two and three

- Eligible Applicants: Grassroots leaders in Australia

- Eligible Locations: Australia

- Deadline: 11:59 pm AEDT, 29 November 2026

- Duration: February 2027 – December 2029

About the Opportunity

The Polished Innovators Fellowship aims to empower community leaders to create impactful solutions that prevent violence against women and children. The program seeks to harness local insights and provide resources to under-resourced individuals with promising ideas. It encourages projects that challenge harmful societal attitudes, alleviate stressors like financial instability, and support healing relationships.

Funding and Benefits:

Participants in the fellowship will receive

- Masterclasses: Training in business models, impact strategy, digital skills, and more.

- 1: 1 Mentoring: Tailored guidance from domain experts.

- Grants and Investment: An untied seed grant in the first year and performance-based impact capital in subsequent years.

- Peer Support: Collaborative learning opportunities with fellow innovators.

- Networking Opportunities: Connections with funders, partners, and investors.

- Community Engagement: Access to events and a global community of innovators.

Who Is Eligible?:

- Grassroots Leaders: Individuals with lived experience or close proximity to the issues they aim to solve.

- Early-Stage Ventures: Projects with early community validation, not exceeding $50,000 in income.

- Focus on Violence Prevention: Initiatives must aim to prevent violence against women and children.

- Serving Marginalised Communities: Prioritizing projects that benefit First Nations, migrant, refugee, low-income, disabled, rural, regional, and LGBTIQA+ communities.

- Residency Requirement: Applicants must reside and operate their innovation in Australia.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas:

The fellowship supports initiatives that:

- Prevent gendered violence before it starts or stop its recurrence. - Address complex drivers of violence with diverse ideas. - Engage marginalised communities meaningfully in their development and implementation.

Why This Opportunity Matters:

This fellowship is vital for individuals ready to transform their insights and experiences into tangible actions. It provides essential resources and networks to grassroots leaders, enabling them to address pressing community issues effectively. By focusing on prevention and sustainability, the program fosters long-term positive impact.

How to Apply:

- Prepare Your Proposal: Outline your initiative’s goals, community engagement, and anticipated impact.

- Submit Application: Apply by the deadline, 11:59 pm AEDT, 29 November 2026.

- Contact for Guidance: If uncertain about fit, schedule a call with the Impact Lead at anisha.senaratne@ygap.org.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes:

- Understand Your Community: Ensure your innovation is grounded in real community feedback.

- Highlight Impact: Clearly articulate the potential outcomes and benefits of your project.

- Plan for Sustainability: Show how your initiative can be financially and operationally sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How are innovators selected? Innovators are assessed on their leadership potential, community problem understanding, user needs, evidence of concept testing, and program fit. Do I need to have an established or registered business? No, candidates with innovative ideas grounded in community feedback are encouraged to apply. Is funding included? Yes, an untied seed grant is provided in the first year, with impact capital available in later years based on meeting program milestones. How much time do I need to commit? Participants should plan for at least 6 contact hours per month, with additional self-directed work, particularly during online intensives and year-end activities. How many Innovators will be selected? The number of selected innovators is not specified in the source.

Next Steps:

Eligible applicants should review the official guidelines and submit their applications by the specified deadline. For more information and support, contact the Impact Lead or visit the official Polished Innovators page.