All Grants & Opportunities

We are a place-based foundation that invests in great ideas and the people who power them in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography. Keep scrolling to learn more about the programs and efforts we support that help people and organizations problem solve in their communities.

For programs where we denote a program partner, please contact that partner for information about applying and more.

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For
People
Open annually

Applications open each fall

Support Amount
Up to $100,000

The Bush Fellowship supports accomplished leaders to take their leadership to the next level, to have more and bigger impact in and across communities. Fellows tell us what they need to develop their own leadership skills and capacities, and we provide up to $100,000 to fund their plan. Operated by Bush Foundation

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For
Organizations
2023 winners selected

Contact our program partners directly for information

Support Amount
Up to $500,000

The Bush Prize celebrates organizations that are highly valued within their communities and have a track record of successful community problem solving. There are four Bush Prize opportunities throughout our region, operated by community grant partners. Created and funded by Bush Foundation

Always Open
For
Organizations
Open

We accept applications year-round. Connect with us to see if your work is a fit.

Support Amount
$20,000 and up

The Community Innovation program invests in ideas with potential to have transformational impact and make the region better for everyone. We provide grants and/or program-related investments (PRIs) to support work on a range of issues, and we do not have caps on the amount or duration of the funding. Operated by Bush Foundation

Resource
For
Organizations
RESOURCE

Organizations that help others problem solve in the region

We support organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities through our Ecosystem program. Learn more about these organizations and the opportunities they provide. Applications open every three years and will be available in 2026. Operated by Bush Foundation

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For
Organizations
Partner operated

Contact the program partner directly for more info

Support Amount
$5,000 to $100,000 per year

Developed and operated by South Dakota Community Foundation, this program funds community-based problem-solving efforts in South Dakota. Funded by Bush Foundation

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For
People
Partner operated

Contact the program partner directly for more info

Support Amount
$5,000 in project funds

Change Networks inspire, equip and connect leaders in North Dakota and South Dakota to lead long-lasting change in a more equitable and inclusive way. Participants receive cohort-based training, coaching and mentorship, and $5,000 in project funds to apply the skills they learn. Funded by Bush Foundation

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For
People
Partner operated

Contact the program partner directly for more info

Support Amount
$25,000 to $50,000

Operated by NDN Collective, this fund provides cash awards to individuals and families from Indigenous  communities to support their dreams and aspirations of rebuilding Indigenous wealth. Applicants must reside in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota or the 23 Native nations that share the same geography. Please contact NDN Collective with inquiries. Funded by Bush Foundation

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For
People
Partner operated

Contact the program partner directly for more info

Support Amount
$500 to implement micro-project

Operated by Springboard for the Arts with Racing Magpie, the Creative Community Leadership Institute is an intensive, in-person, cohort-based learning program for people working at the intersection of arts and community change. The program is open to people throughout the region and participants receive training and $500 to implement a micro-project. Funded by Bush Foundation

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For
Organizations
Partner operated

Contact the program partner directly for more info

Support Amount
Up to $300,000 over 6 years

Developed and operated by StrengthenND, this program funds community-based problem-solving efforts in North Dakota. Funded by Bush Foundation

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For
People
Partner operated

Contact the program partner directly for more info

Support Amount
$53,000 stipend

Operated by Finnovation Lab, the FINNOVATION Fellowship supports impact-driven entrepreneurs as they lead and launch sustainable and innovative businesses. Fellows receive training and support, dedicated space at FINN Lab, and a $50,000 stipend plus $3,000 towards health care. Funded by Bush Foundation

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For
Organizations
Learn more

Accept applications every other year

Support Amount
Varies

We provide funding to support giving days to benefit nonprofits in each of the three states we serve. We give one grant per state, with at least 50% of the funding being passed directly on to nonprofit organizations participating in the event. Operated and funded by Bush Foundation

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For
Organizations
Partner operated

Contact the program partner directly for more info

Support Amount
Varies

Developed and operated by Good Relatives Collaborative, these are flexible, responsive grants for Native Nations, rural, and urban Native grassroots and constituency-led organizations engaged in community-powered problem-solving in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Funded by Bush Foundation

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For
People
Partner operated

Contact the program partner directly for more info

Support Amount
$30,000 annual stipend

Operated by the Initiative Foundation, the Initiators Fellowship supports early-stage social entrepreneurs in Greater Minnesota working to address a social or environmental challenge. It is a two-year program and Fellows receive individual and cohort-based training, mentoring and guidance, and a $30,000 annual stipend. Funded by Bush Foundation and others

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For
Organizations
Support Amount
$5,000 to $50,000

We provide funding to a small number of nonprofit media organizations doing work that aligns with our organizational purpose of inspiring and supporting creative problem solving that makes the region better for everyone. Operated by Bush Foundation

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For
Organizations
Learn more

We review potential memberships annually

Support Amount
Varies

We participate in many regional and national efforts that support the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. We review existing and new requests from member organizations and funder collaboratives annually. Operated by Bush Foundation

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For
People
Partner operated

Contact the program partner directly for more info

Support Amount
Varies

Operated by Native Governance Center, the Native Nation Rebuilders program connects Native leaders and equips them with Indigenized tools and frameworks they can use to help rebuild their nations. It is a two-year cohort-based program open to enrolled members of the 23 Native nations that share geography with Minnesota, North Dakota or South Dakota. Funded by Bush Foundation (Photo courtesy of Akiptan/Sky Bear Media)

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For
People
Partner operated

Contact the program partner directly for more info

Support Amount
$50,000

Operated by Nexus Community Partners, this fund provides individual grants of $50,000 to individuals from Black communities to support their path to build generational wealth. Applicants must reside in Minnesota, North Dakota or South Dakota and be descendants of the Atlantic Slave Trade. Please contact Nexus Community Partners directly with inquiries. Funded by Bush Foundation

Available
For
Organizations
Support Amount
Up to $150,000

The Partnership Fund is for unusual situations in which there is an opportunity for us to help attract outside resources to the region; or to partner with other funders to address significant challenges; or other unique opportunities that do not fit into any of our other programs. Operated by Bush Foundation

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For
Organizations
Partner operated

Contact the program partner directly for more info

Support Amount
General operating funds starting at $50,000

Operated by Propel Nonprofits in partnership with First Peoples Fund and The Waterers, this initiative provides unrestricted, general operating grants to nourish and cultivate the landscape of emerging arts and culture organizations run by and for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. In 2023, grants will support organizations and culture bearers in North and South Dakota.