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.

Learn more
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

Learn more
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

Learn More
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

Learn more
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

Learn more
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

Learn more
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

Learn more
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)

Learn more
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