Westpac Launches Social Innovators Fellowship
12 July 2016 at 2:11 pm
Westpac Bicentennial Foundation is calling for social change innovators to apply for its annual Social Change Fellowships with 10 fellowships valued at $50,000 each.
In its second year, the Westpac Social Change Fellowship program is designed to enable successful applicants to tailor a personalised plan over six months which includes experiences to directly improve their skills, capabilities and networks and may involve travel for study tours or conferences, work experience, research or other network building initiatives.
CEO of Westpac Bicentennial Foundation Susan Bannigan said the Social Change Fellowship aimed to invest in the personal development of social innovators, rather than their projects.
“Through the Social Change Fellowship, we are looking to create positive social change in Australia by investing in people from all walks of life to achieve their vision for social change,” Bannigan said.
“What makes this fellowship program unique is that we are investing in the individuals, rather than funding their projects, to give them the opportunity to explore their own potential, gain greater insights and create broader networks.
“We believe this approach will help these innovators to improve their own effectiveness, ultimately creating a greater ripple effect of positive social change.”
Bannigan said that in addition to the funding, successful recipients would gain membership of the Westpac100 Scholars’ Network.
“Through this alumni network, they will be supported to connect, collaborate and have access to invaluable learning and development opportunities. Each year the network will grow by 100 scholars from each of Westpac Bicentennial Foundation’s five scholarship programs,” she said.
Westpac Bicentennial Foundation awards 100 scholarships and fellowships each year. It was launched as a gift to future generations of Australians, with a contribution from Westpac Group of $100 million, to commemorate Westpac’s 200th anniversary in 2017.
Applications close 19 August 2016. To apply or find out more, visit here.
