The Bush Prize: Minnesota is a grant program operated by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation in partnership with the Bush Foundation. This program celebrates and supports extraordinary Minnesota-based organizations that consistently lead community-centered, creative problem-solving efforts. The prize is designed to reward innovative and transformational organizations that actively engage their communities to create meaningful, long-lasting solutions to critical issues.
In 2025, two organizations will be selected as honorees for the Bush Prize: Minnesota, each receiving an unrestricted award of $250,000. These funds can be used for any charitable purpose within Minnesota, including operating costs, program expenses, capital needs, or other uses that support the organization’s ongoing work. An additional six organizations will be recognized as finalists, each receiving a $10,000 grant.
The application period opens on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, and closes at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. All applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grant portal, GranteeView. Organizations must register for GranteeView in advance to apply. Applications can be saved and completed over time prior to final submission.
Eligible applicants must be located in Minnesota, and the work described in the application must also take place within the state. Organizations must be classified as 501(c)(3) public charities or government entities, including schools and tribal governments. Fiscally sponsored programs are also eligible, provided the fiscal sponsor is a qualified 501(c)(3) or government entity and the fiscal sponsorship agreement is submitted with the application. Coalitions may apply, but only one organization may serve as the primary applicant and receive the award.
The Foundation uses four main criteria in selecting honorees: a history of using creative solutions, community-led work, a culture of problem-solving, and transformational impact. The selection process includes a Community Selection Committee composed of representatives from across Minnesota. This committee will identify four finalists from the Twin Cities Metro Area and four from Greater Minnesota. From this group, two honorees will be chosen—one from each geographic region.
Finalist interviews will occur in August 2025, and the honorees will be selected in September. All recipients, including finalists and honorees, will be publicly announced in November 2025. For support or questions, applicants are encouraged to contact the Bush Prize: Minnesota team at bushprizeminnesota@spmcf.org or call 651.325.4202.
