Bush Fellowship

The Bush Fellowship is a prestigious and competitive self-development leadership program that supports individuals who have demonstrated a strong record of community impact and are positioned to accelerate their leadership trajectory. Offered by the Bush Foundation, the Fellowship provides selected applicants with up to $150,000 over a two-year period to implement a self-designed plan to grow their capacity to lead transformative, equitable change. This opportunity is open to leaders from all sectors—nonprofit, business, public, or otherwise—who are committed to driving large-scale change in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or the 23 Native nations within that geography. Applicants are expected to be visionaries with bold ideas, a track record of solving problems, and the character and integrity that define inclusive leadership. The Bush Foundation defines leadership broadly, emphasizing those who make meaningful things happen in their communities—even if they don’t hold formal titles. Fellowships are designed to be transformational, and successful applicants are those who clearly articulate how the time and resources provided will significantly change the trajectory of their leadership journey. This may include formal education, learning from innovative leaders elsewhere, or temporary changes in professional obligations to enable immersive development. However, Fellowship funds may not be used to create programs, fund businesses, pay off debt, or support other individuals or entities. The application period for the 2026 Bush Fellowship opens on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 8:00 AM CT and closes on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM CT. Live Q&A sessions will be held on September 4 and September 16 to assist prospective applicants. Applications will be reviewed by past Bush Fellows, staff, and community leaders. Approximately 75 semifinalists will be selected and notified between December 2–7, 2025. Finalists will be notified between March 11–16, 2026, with interviews conducted in late April. Final selection is made by community reviewers, and the next class of Fellows is publicly announced following a kick-off retreat. Applicants are required to submit responses to a series of application questions about their leadership background, vision for change, and Fellowship plan. Two references are also required—one from someone they’ve led and one from someone who has led them. Additional demographic and legal history information is collected but is not used in the selection process. Legal history such as criminal convictions does not automatically disqualify applicants. The Bush Foundation strongly emphasizes the idea that investment in personal leadership growth ultimately leads to broader community benefit. Individuals interested in pursuing projects, business ventures, or sabbaticals focused purely on wellness are encouraged to seek alternative programs. The Fellowship is geared toward those prepared to think big about their leadership potential and the future of their communities.

Think big about your leadership trajectory. Focus on self-investment, not programs or businesses. Be specific about transformational goals. Use the Q&A sessions and example plans as guidance.