Structure of Fellowship
A Bush Fellowship is an opportunity to learn by actually doing the work of trying to mobilize others to find solutions to a tough problem. The fellowship is a time for Fellows to experiment, take risks and possibly fail, but through it all, be intentional about what they are learning and using it to inform their work going forward.

While a lot of the learning during the fellowship is experiential, Bush Fellows also may include the following as part of their fellowship plans in order to enhance their learning and increase their effectiveness:

• Individual classes on specific topics
• Conferences, seminars and workshops
• Site visits to learn about innovative work, interviews with experts and internships

Leadership Development Seminars
Bush Fellows are required to attend eight leadership development seminars offered by the Bush Foundation as part of the fellowship. The seminars occur during the first two years of the grant. During the seminars, Bush Fellows gain knowledge and tools to advance their work. Dates for the required seminars are given to all finalists.

Use of Funds
A Bush Fellowship is a four-year commitment. Fellowship funds are paid out during the first two years of the grant, and funding ranges from $25,000 to $75,000. The remaining two years of the grant are when Bush Fellows join with the Foundation in advancing its goal of building leadership capacity throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 sovereign nations that share geographic area.

Bush Fellows may continue to be employed during the fellowship. They also have a lot of flexibility in how they use the funds to carry out their individual learning plans; however, fellowship funds may not be used:

• To enroll in an academic degree-granting program during the fellowship, to make progress toward completing or to finish an academic degree-granting program that was started prior to the start of the fellowship.
• To cover living expenses when there is no evidence that income will be reduced or lost in order to pursue the fellowship.
• To pursue learning experiences outside of the U.S. for extended periods of the fellowship.
• For professional certification that is strictly for career advancement and not related to advancing the work of mobilizing others to find solutions to the identified tough problem/issue.
• For the purpose of lobbying and influencing public policy.

As part of the planning for a fellowship, we strongly encourage applicants and Fellows to consult with a tax advisor about the potential tax implications of receiving a fellowship. The Foundation does not make withholdings for state or federal taxes from fellowship payments.

Elected and Government Officials at a Policy-Making Level
If you are an elected official or government official who has the authority to enact policy, please contact Martha Lee at 651.379.2229 or mlee@bushfoundation.org prior to filling out the application.