Melbourne Social Equity Institute’s Community Fellows Program 2025

The Melbourne Social Equity Institute’s Community Fellows Program is a flagship initiative to support community organisations undertaking coproductive research relevant to their communities. Each Fellow receives a small research grant to enable their project, with the aim of improving service delivery, developing new services, and enhancing the ability to advocate or conduct future research. A Collaboration Agreement outlines project details, levels of financial support, and expected outcomes.

A $7,000 research grant for each Community Fellow, collaboration with an Academic Mentor, and participation in cohort-based activities.

Your organisation must be a small to medium-sized community organisation in Australia (up to 199 employees), incorporated with adequate insurance, Victorian-based, and able to commit 200 to 350 hours of work. The head of your organisation must support your participation, and you must have working rights in Australia.

Submit information about your organisation, a short working title for your proposed project, a description of the proposed research idea and its relevance, and a plan for how outputs will be used; additionally provide a CV and a letter of support from the head of the organisation.