Goal: By 2018, 75% of people in all demographic groups in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota say their community is effective at solving problems and improving their quality of life.
Why We Chose This Goal
	Over the past 10 years, the issues facing our communities have remained persistent (education, health care and economic disparities) and have become increasingly complex (energy, environment, immigration and globalization).
	Only about half of the people in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota say they live in a community that solves its problems1; an increasing number think that things are off track and trust in all major institutions has been in decline and remains low.2
	As we looked at our research, we reaffirmed that courageous leaders are critical to success. Developing leaders is one of the Bush Foundation’s core strengths, so our decision to start there was easy.
	Our research also tells us that leadership by itself isn’t enough. Entire communities need to be engaged3 – “communities” defined broadly by geography, affiliation, profession, fields of endeavor, faith, culture or demographics. To effect real change, all community members need to work together, and they need courageous leaders who are able to engage, challenge and support them.

Our Approach
Based on our research, we have focused on five elements that are key to community success and developed preliminary strategies for each. Additional research, learning and partnering will be critical as we move forward.
	Use Data as a Reality Check to Guide Community Decision-Making
	o	We plan to enlist researchers to provide communities with independent, impartial information on which to base decisions.
	o	Once this information is available, we’ll seek partners to tell the stories behind the data.
	o	Through these collaborations, we hope people will better understand both what the issues are and why they matter.
	Develop Courageous Leaders
	o	We plan to continue and expand our work in leadership development, including all three of our fellowship programs.
	o	We plan to support the increased effectiveness of those holding the estimated 40,000 leadership positions in the nonprofit and government sectors in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.4
	Energize Community-Based Problem Solving and Support Leaders Who Emerge
	o	We plan to work with intermediaries to engage communities across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota in exploring issues and creating solutions.
	o	We will build on programs that already work and expect leaders to emerge through the process. As they do, we will find ways to support them.
	o	As part of this strategy, we will also adapt our ongoing guideline programs for arts and cultural organizations: Regional Arts Development Program II (RADP II), Large Cultural Organizations Development Fund II (LCODF II) and ArtsLAB.
	Find and Create Better Solutions
	o	To solve problems, communities need ideas – both those generated internally and those borrowed from others.
	o	We plan to identify partners who can support ways for communities to access creative ideas and develop the solutions they need.
	Build Philanthropic Resources, Especially in North Dakota and South Dakota
	o	We want to build strong collaborations with local and statewide philanthropic networks and explore other ways of building philanthropic resources. By helping communities uncover these resources, they can extend the capabilities to improve their quality of life.
Partnerships
We expect to reach out to:
	Foundations and researchers to assist in gathering statewide and community data and developing indepdendent reports.
	Journalists, artists and cultural institutions to tell the stories that emerge from the data.
	Intermediaries, including community and area foundations, government agencies and extension services, to engage communities in problem-solving and to support the growth of philanthropic capital.

Learn about our goals ...
 
Letter from the President
Develop Courageous Leaders and Engage Entire Communities in Solving Problems
Support the Self-Determination of Native Nations
Increase Educational Achievement

If you have a specific question, email us at newdirection@bushfoundation.org.