Native Nations Program

The Bush Prize: Native Nations is an annual grant program administered by the Good Relatives Collaborative in partnership with the Bush Foundation and other regional grantmaking organizations. The Bush Foundation is a longstanding philanthropic institution focused on supporting innovative solutions to community challenges across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Native Nations within that geography. Through this collaborative model, the Bush Prize is implemented by regional partners who ensure that the program reflects local priorities and community leadership, with an emphasis on equity and culturally grounded decision-making. The purpose of the Bush Prize: Native Nations is to honor and support Native-led organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in addressing community challenges through innovative and community-driven approaches. Rather than funding a specific project, the prize recognizes organizations with a proven track record of problem-solving and impact. It aims to reinforce and expand a culture of innovation within Native communities by uplifting organizations that are deeply trusted and valued by the populations they serve. Funding through this program is provided as an unrestricted award of 250000 dollars to each selected honoree. This flexible funding structure allows recipient organizations to allocate resources according to their own priorities, whether for operational support, program expansion, capacity building, or other organizational needs. There are no stated restrictions on spending, reflecting the program’s trust-based philanthropic approach and its focus on empowering Native-led organizations to determine how best to use the funds to advance their missions. Eligibility for the Bush Prize: Native Nations is limited to Native-led organizations operating within Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Native Nations that share that geographic region. While specific organizational classifications such as nonprofit status are not explicitly detailed in the provided material, the emphasis on Native leadership and community engagement suggests that eligible entities must demonstrate strong ties to Native communities and a history of impactful work. The program prioritizes organizations that have consistently developed creative, community-powered solutions and that contribute to a broader culture of innovation. The application process for the Bush Prize: Native Nations involves submitting materials during a defined application window. For the 2026 cycle, the application period opens on April 1 at 7 am Mountain Time and 8 am Central Time and closes on April 30 at 5 pm Mountain Time and 6 pm Central Time. Applicants must complete and submit their applications within this timeframe through the designated application system. While specific application components are not detailed, applicants are expected to provide information demonstrating their organizational track record, community impact, and innovative approaches. The selection process is conducted by the Good Relatives Collaborative in partnership with other regional grant partners, with the Bush Foundation serving in an advisory capacity. These partners are responsible for reviewing applications, selecting honorees, and providing support throughout the process. In 2026, three organizations will be selected as Bush Prize: Native Nations honorees. The timeline for award announcements is not explicitly stated, but selection and recognition typically follow the close of the application period. For additional information or support during the application process, applicants are encouraged to contact designated representatives based on their state. Contacts include representatives for Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, each providing direct email access for inquiries. This localized support structure reflects the program’s commitment to accessibility and responsiveness to community needs. The Bush Prize continues to be a recurring annual opportunity, building on its history as the Bush Prize for Community Innovation and maintaining its focus on uplifting transformative community leadership.

Emphasize demonstrated community impact, Native leadership, and innovative problem-solving approaches aligned with community needs