The Fellowship was created in 1965 as the living legacy of Sir Winston Churchill for the nation. It aims to honour his memory and spirit in a unique community of changemakers across the UK.

Each year the Fellowships offers support to UK citizens who wish to carry out research projects that require overseas travel. Funding is awarded to allow Fellows to spend up to two months investigating inspiring practice in other countries, either by travelling overseas or online from the UK, in order to identify new and better ways of tackling a wide range of current challenges facing the UK.

The grant covers living costs and travel costs incurred while learning as well as the costs of interpreters, visas and vaccinations, and support workers if needed.

Up to 120 fellowships are awarded each year to UK citizens, resident in the UK and aged 18 or over. There is no upper age limit or any other restrictions. The Fellowship covers every area of society and reflects the life of the nation.

Applicants need to be addressing a clearly stated need or issue in UK society and exploring one of the current annual themes:

• Building a society that cares
• Building prosperous, resilient economies
• Caring for our natural environment
• Civic and democratic engagement (new this year)
• Climate change
• Making space for the arts
• Promoting lifelong health
• Supporting engagement in education
• Tech for All
• Open Options

Applications open once a year.

The deadline for applications is 20 October 2026 (midday) for a Fellowship to begin from 1 August 2027.