Bush Prize Program

The Bush Prize: North Dakota, administered in partnership with Strengthen ND and the Bush Foundation, recognizes and supports extraordinary organizations that consistently lead creative and community-based problem-solving efforts. The program, part of a broader regional initiative that includes partners in South Dakota, Minnesota, and 23 Native Nations within the region, celebrates organizations that exemplify innovation, equity, and inclusion in their work. The Bush Foundation has a long-standing reputation for investing in efforts that build stronger communities, and its collaboration with Strengthen ND ensures that the selection process is informed by deep, localized knowledge and context. The purpose of the Bush Prize is to identify organizations with a demonstrable history of innovation and community leadership. The selected organizations receive substantial financial support in the form of a $250,000 flexible-use grant. These funds are intended to help honorees expand existing programs, explore new ideas, build organizational capacity and reserves, and strengthen operational sustainability. However, the use of the funds is limited to charitable purposes and cannot be used for debt repayment. Eligibility for the Bush Prize: North Dakota is open to 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities including schools, and fiscally sponsored projects. Applicants must be based in North Dakota or one of the five Native Nations that share the state's geography. Additionally, eligible organizations must demonstrate a successful track record of creative problem-solving spanning at least three to five years. This requirement emphasizes the prize’s focus on not just strong ideas, but consistent and impactful implementation over time. The application process is conducted entirely online, with a strict deadline of April 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. Applicants are advised to prepare responses in advance, as the submission platform does not allow progress to be saved. Although technical assistance is available for those facing online access barriers, the program does not provide individualized support or feedback on proposal content due to the competitive nature of the award. Interested applicants were encouraged to attend or view a recorded informational webinar held on March 26, 2026. Evaluation criteria for the Bush Prize include the effectiveness, equity, and sustainability of the organization’s problem-solving strategies, as well as the leadership and culture of the organization. The selection process includes a period of review and due diligence in June and July 2026, followed by final selection in August and a public announcement in October. Honorees receive not only financial support but also public recognition, communication support, and opportunities for peer learning. A final reporting process is included to document the impact and lessons learned during the award period. The Bush Prize is an annual award, and its structure reflects a commitment to continuity and impact amplification. By elevating the stories and work of community-based problem solvers, the prize seeks to inspire replication and adaptation of successful models across the region. Organizations like North Dakota Native Vote, North Dakota Assistive, and Ministry on the Margins exemplify the type of sustained, community-rooted innovation that the Bush Prize honors and uplifts.

Attend the informational session to understand criteria and avoid mistakes; technical support is available only for platform issues.