Rebecca Cruse

Rebecca is a grantmaking officer for the Bush Foundation and is based in South Dakota. She focuses on South Dakota and works across all Bush programs to help find and select the highest potential ideas from communities throughout the region that can lead to high-impact investments for Bush. She manages a portfolio of grants and is active in community conversations to understand the impact of Bush’s support.

Rebecca is part of the grantmaking team and is ready to talk with people who have ideas or questions about any Bush programs or other opportunities Bush supports.

She joined Bush in 2025 and is a creative strategist with over 15 years of experience in public service, arts and cultural policy, and community development. Rebecca enjoys collaborating on visionary and purposeful ventures that advance opportunities for rural people. In her most recent work as Deputy Director of the South Dakota Arts Council, she oversaw legislative affairs, statewide strategic planning, communications, arts education, equity initiatives and placemaking programs. A certified change management professional, she’s known for cultivating meaningful partnerships and designing responsive, community-centered programs that promote access and inclusion across South Dakota.

Throughout her career, Rebecca has led key initiatives in collaboration with state and national partners to strengthen arts, education, and cultural policy. She has spearheaded innovative grantmaking strategies, professional development cohorts, and statewide outreach efforts. She is deeply committed to supporting rural communities and building systems where everyone belongs and thrives.

As a born-and-raised South Dakotan, from a family of ranchers and teachers, Rebecca has a deep understanding and passion for the land, animals, neighbors and stewardship of her home state.