The Churchill Trust’s Impact Funding is a relatively new stream of funding for Fellows. Since its launch in 2022, the program has helped Fellows turn their research recommendations into practical outcomes that benefit Australian communities.
The program provides small but targeted grants to Fellows who have completed their reports and demonstrated a commitment to sharing their findings. Supported by philanthropic partners, it enables projects that directly implement Fellowship recommendations, foster collaboration, and create measurable, positive change across all sectors of Australian life.
Growth and Reach
Impact Funding is designed to enable Fellows to implement their findings and extend the life and influence of Churchill Fellowships. Five rounds held between 2022 and 2024 demonstrated both strong interest and clear outcomes. Demand has been consistently high. In 2024, for example, 75 applications were received, with only six funded due to funding constraints
Across all rounds, 33 projects have been funded from 202 applications—an overall funding rate of 16%. The rate of funding has come under increased pressure as awareness of the program has grown and more Fellows have sought support for post-Fellowship impact work. Belwo is a summary of Churchill Impact Funding Rounds 2022–2025.
| Round & Date | Number applied | Number Approved |
| Round 1 – March 2022 | 21 | 7 |
| Round 2 – August 2022 | 23 | 6 |
| Round 1 – March 2023 | 15 | 4 |
| Round 2 – December 2023 | 24 | 5 |
| 2024 (single round) | 75 | 6 |
| 2025 (single round) | 44 | 5 |
2025 Partnering for Impact Projects
As the Trust continues to evolve its thinking around the post-travel opportunities that should be made available, the 2025 round trialled a new, more targeted approach, offered only to previous Impact Funding applicants and centred on the theme “Partnering for Impact.” Even having regard for the targeted program design, applications came from across the full spectrum of Churchill Fellowship disciplines, demonstrating the breadth and diversity of the community’s work.
Five applications were selected from a total of 44 submitted. This meant that almost half of those eligible applied, resulting in an exceptionally strong pool of thoughtful, high-quality proposals. The calibre of submissions made the assessment particularly challenging, as numerous projects showed clear potential for long-term impact. The outcome reflects the highly competitive nature of the program, ongoing strong demand for support and the challenges associated with managing this within existing funding, rather than the quality of individual applications. The Trust values the time, effort and commitment of every applicant and encourages Fellows to continue pursuing opportunities to advance their projects and share their benefits more widely.
- Susan Palmer — Strengthening Cancer Care Through Community Support: Susan Palmer will develop a national CPD-accredited education program to help cancer nurses mobilise informal support networks around patients, including family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues. Working in partnership with cancer nurses, oncology associations, and professional training bodies, the program will integrate this approach into nursing practice to reduce isolation and unmet care needs, improving wellbeing and recovery outcomes.
- Leanne Mitchell — Connecting Councils to End Homelessness: Leanne Mitchell is establishing Australia’s first national community of practice for local government on homelessness, in partnership with the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness, peak local government bodies, and homelessness services. The initiative will link councils nationwide to share knowledge and embed prevention-focused, human-rights-based approaches, with benefits for those experiencing homelessness.
- Sophie Heywood — Aquatic Exercise for Mental and Physical Health: Physiotherapist Sophie Heywood will co-design new national guidance for aquatic exercise supporting people managing both mental illness and chronic physical conditions, partnering across health, research and industry sectors to deliver practical, evidence-based resources.
- Anne-Marie Cade — Embedding Parenting Coordination and Conflict-Resolution Skills: The funding will support Anne-Marie Cade to co-design and deliver training and tools that embed parenting coordination and restorative conflict-resolution practices for separated parents — developed in partnership with parenting coordinators, family lawyers, judges and educators to foster healthier communication between parents and protect children.
- Jane Rooney — Building Financial Capability and Inclusion for Young People: Jane Rooney will collaborate with the Australian Physiotherapy Association and primary health networks to deliver The Good Knee — a multimedia ACL education platform focused on management, rehabilitation and prevention, empowering patients and clinicians to make informed decisions.
It is worth noting that three of these recipients are Jack Brockhoff Foundation Churchill Fellows.
Earlier Rounds and Impact
From the first round in 2022, Impact Funding has supported projects to deliver tangible community benefits. These range from justice reform and technology to arts, health, and innovation. Some examples include:
- Julie Morrison evaluated Victoria’s Court Dog Program, finding that 94% of victims felt calmer and more confident giving evidence, with this critical data now driving expansion across Australia.
- Chris Boyle scaled the StandbyU Shield, a wearable device connecting vulnerable people to trusted networks, now protecting hundreds of Australians through partnerships with major service providers.
- Tim McLennan created the Technologies for Independence Demonstration Environment (TIDE Room) at Fiona Stanley Hospital, helping patients trial assistive technology before returning home.
- Morwenna Collett led the development of a Live Music Accessibility Charter, building a national framework to make venues and festivals inclusive for artists and audiences with disability.
Looking Ahead
A recent survey of Fellows from the past decade showed strong interest in staying connected after their Fellowship. Many expressed a desire for structured opportunities to extend their impact — particularly through post-Fellowship or project-based funding, like the Impact Funding program.
Respondents identified the need for practical support to implement research, especially guidance on influencing policy and systems change. Fellows also valued mentoring, communications training, and collaborative networks to help sustain their work once they return home.
The Trust will review its post-Fellowship programs and future options for supporting Fellows, ensuring initiatives such as Impact Funding and themed collaboration rounds continue to evolve. This commitment reflects the enduring spirit of the Churchill Fellowship — empowering Australians not only to explore the world’s best ideas, but to apply them on their return for lasting benefit.