Up to $150,000 Bush Fellowship

The Bush Foundation's Bush Fellowship is a self-designed leadership programme for people in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share that geography. Up to 30 Fellows a year receive up to $150,000 over up to two years to follow their own plan for growing as leaders, whether that means study, travel, learning from other movements or stepping back from a job to pursue a bigger vision for change. Leaders from any sector are welcome, including business, government and nonprofit.

What you get:

• Up to $150,000 to fund your own self-designed leadership plan
• Up to two years to put the plan into action
• A kick-off retreat with your cohort of up to 30 new Bush Fellows
• A place in a network of more than 2,000 Fellows since the 1960s

What you'll do:

• Design your own leadership development plan, for example a policy fellowship, learning from a movement abroad, or reducing your work commitments to pursue a large-scale vision
• Attend the Bush Fellowship retreat from May 19 to May 21, 2027
• Use the funds within the Foundation's limits: not for another person or organisation, a business or programme, paying off debt, or lobbying and campaigns

Key dates:

• At least 24 years old on October 6, 2026, the application deadline
• Resident of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota or one of the 23 Native nations that share the same geography
• Lived in the region for at least one continuous year immediately before applying
• Primary residence must remain in the region throughout the application process and the Fellowship
• No citizenship requirement; non-US citizens may have income tax withheld on Fellowship payments
• Not eligible if you previously received a Bush Fellowship, Bush Artist Fellowship, Bush Leadership Fellowship, Bush Medical Fellowship or Enduring Vision Award
• Not eligible if you are a family member of a current Bush Foundation staff or board member