News

I joined the Bush Foundation in 2023 as the grantmaking director focused on the Bush Fellowship program. It’s such a joy to work on something that has a long track record and has made such a meaningful difference in so many people’s lives. 

I’m especially honored to share in the announcement of the 2024 Bush Fellows and look forward to getting to know them over their two-year Fellowship. Their accomplished work is a reminder of the innovation, curiosity and courage that it takes to lead and bring about big changes in the region.  

It's the time of year when we get to introduce you to an amazing group of leaders ready to take their leadership to the next level — it's Bush Fellows announcement day!

We're excited to share that the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation as our newest community grant partner. They will operate Bush Prize: Minnesota and a grant program that supports community-based problem solving across Minnesota communities. 

We are thrilled to share that our board of directors recently elected DeAnna Cummings as board chair. DeAnna joined the board in 2014 and currently serves as the program director of arts and culture at McKnight Foundation.

Bush Foundation President Jen Ford Reedy had this to say: “I’m thrilled to have DeAnna as our new Bush board chair! She has been a wonderful board member, and it is extra-special to have a board leader who is also a Bush Fellow and who founded a Bush Prize-winning organization. DeAnna exemplifies the kind of creative community problem solving that Bush Foundation is all about.”

Our region is filled with organizations that others just can’t do without. We call them Ecosystem organizations because they create the environment needed for others to solve problems in their communities. They’re recognized as go-to resources, infrastructure or intermediary organizations because they provide critical data analysis, advance public awareness and policy, spread great ideas and help build capacity or build and support leadership networks. As Ecosystem organizations, they work within and across sectors and issue areas to make the work of others better and stronger.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Bush Prize! These organizations are highly valued in their communities and have a strong track record of successful community problem solving. 

One of the ways we work to be radically open in our grantmaking is through our Community Innovation program. These grants fund the most promising ideas — across any issue area and at any stage of development — that have the greatest potential for transformative impact in the region.

Published October 2023

The Bush Fellowship is unique because it’s not about projects, it’s about people. It’s an investment in accomplished leaders with extraordinary track records who are ready to leap forward in their leadership. We’re offering three insights to help you think about designing your Fellowship plan.

Published September 2023

Maria Medina (BF'19) reflects on her self-transformation as a Bush Fellow.

As a young college student, I knew one day I would apply for and receive a Bush Fellowship— no matter how many times it would take me to succeed. I admired the Fellows I knew personally, and I loved learning about others I did not know. 

Little did I know of the life-changing difference the application experience alone would have for me, in addition to the Fellowship itself.  

Leadership matters. Leaders shape our communities, institutions, nation and the world. They define culture, take action and make decisions that have long-standing and wide-ranging impact on people and communities.

All of us have a role to play in creating a region where each person can thrive, but the people we choose as leaders, and choose to follow, make a huge difference in our shared direction.

Published June 2023