From ideas to action: Applications open for 2027 Churchill Fellowships

Applications for 2027 Churchill Fellowships are now open, offering people across the UK the chance to take a spark of an idea for making a difference and develop it through learning from around the world.

Each year, the charity funds more than 100 people to spend four to eight weeks learning from leading practitioners, in person or online. They build networks, exchange knowledge and ideas and use what they learn to improve communities, services and policy across the UK. In 2026, 109 people received Fellowships to explore issues ranging from social media harm and climate-friendly school canteens to dementia care in rural communities.

Julia Weston, Chief Executive of the Churchill Fellowship, said: “Every year we are inspired by people who see something that could work better and are determined to do something about it. A Churchill Fellowship gives them the chance to look outwards, learn from others, and turn those ideas into practical action here in the UK.

“This year’s programmes reflect many of the challenges and opportunities communities are facing now. We hope people from the widest range of backgrounds and life experiences, and from across the four nations, will see something here that speaks to their own experience and ideas for change.”

The charity has added a new Civic and Democratic Engagement programme to support people with ideas for strengthening participation, trust and engagement in public life. It joins other Fellowship programmes including Tech for All; Promoting Lifelong Health; Supporting Engagement in Education; Climate Change; Caring for our Natural Environment; Building a Society that Cares; Building Prosperous, Resilient Economies; and Making Space for the Arts.

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