The Myer Foundation
Tips for Applicants
While current application rounds for the prominent Sidney Myer Creative Fellowships and Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships are closed, the foundation explicitly supports individual artists, creators, cultural leaders, and innovators addressing social and environmental challenges. Future applicants for similar programs should note the significant, unrestricted tax-free grants offered. The foundation also engages in larger grants supporting organisations focused on areas like food relief, secure housing, social impact leadership, and rural development, indicating a broad scope of support for the not-for-profit sector.
Giving Philosophy
The foundation's approach to giving is deeply rooted in the Myer family's legacy of generosity, aiming to make significant and lasting changes in Australian society. They believe in partnering with the not-for-profit sector, other philanthropists, and all levels of government to foster a healthier and more prosperous nation. Their mission is to promote a just, creative, enlightened, caring, and sustainable Australia.
Notable Grants
ACNC Financial History
| Year | Grants Given | Revenue | Total Assets | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2023 | $4.4M | $4.0M | $84.8M | $80.3M |
| FY2022 | $5.0M | $8.4M | $82.3M | $77.9M |
| FY2021 | $3.7M | $3.5M | $86.2M | $82.6M |
| FY2020 | $3.4M | $3.2M | $76.9M | $71.5M |
| FY2019 | $4.6M | $5.2M | $78.1M | $75.2M |
| FY2018 | $5.6M | $10.1M | $74.7M | $72.4M |
| FY2017 | $6.3M | $7.1M | $70.4M | $69.0M |
| 7yr total | $33.0M | Source: ACNC Annual Information Statements | ||
Programs & Opportunities (5)
4 open · 1 closed · sorted by deadline · last checked 21 April 2026 (16 days ago)
Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships
This program supports individuals with breakthrough solutions to Australia's most pressing social and environmental challenges, offering time and funding to develop groundbreaking ideas.
Sidney Myer Creative Fellowships
These fellowships provide unrestricted, tax-free grants over two years to early to mid-career Australian artists, creatives, and cultural leaders, recognizing their outstanding talent and exceptional courage.
Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards
Created in 1984, these awards recognized and rewarded outstanding achievements in various performing arts disciplines, running for 40 years until 2023.
Inclusion & Equality Program
This program provides multi-year grants to support the general operations of Australian incorporated organizations working to support low-income families to thrive in secure housing.
Mental Health Program
The Mental Health Program offers multi-year grants to support the general operations of community-based organizations and initiatives focused on empowering people with lived experience to improve mental health outcomes.
Program History (2)
Year-specific program memory with visible provenance. This is the bridge between open opportunities and recurring portfolio strands.
Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships
Supports breakthrough solutions to Australia's pressing social and environmental challenges.
Sidney Myer Creative Fellowships
Provides tax-free grants to individual artists, creators, and cultural leaders for two years.