Community InnovationOverview of Investments: 2013 - 2016

In 2013, the Bush Foundation established the Community Innovation program to inspire and support communities working to create innovative solutions to the challenges they face.

Since then we have invested more than $35 million in communities across our region through our Community Innovation Grants and the Bush Prize for Community Innovation.

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Community Innovation Grants

$500-$200,000

Support community problem solving efforts that are inclusive, collaborative and resourceful

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THE BUSH PRIZE FOR COMMUNITY INNOVATION

UP TO $500,000

Honors and supports innovative organizations with a track record of making great ideas happen

Community Innovation Process

Formed in partnership with Wilder Research, this diagram illustrates an effective approach to community problem solving.

IDENTIFY NEED

Increase understanding of the issue

Generate ideas

Test and implement solutions

COMMUNITY INNOVATION

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Inclusive

three people facing forward

Collaborative

three people facing forward

Resourceful

Helping Communities Solve Problems

Our grants support a wide range of issues.

Illustration of people working around a table, surrounded by words

Currently 65%

of Community Innovation grants support projects that seek to reduce racial and/or economic disparities.

Investments to Date

Bush Prizes and Community Innovation Grants since 2013

$34 million+

543 Grants

167 BUSH PRIZES AND COMMUNITY INNOVATION GRANTS

awarded by the Bush Foundation.

Total Invested

North Dakota

37 Grants

$7,669,789

South Dakota

39 Grants

$8,174,254

Minnesota

91 Grants

$15,191,473

34 Grants

$6,603,548

of the above grants have been invested in native nations

314 community innovation grants ($500-$10,000)

awarded by our partner organizations

Headwaters Foundation for Justice
Consensus Council
South Dakota Community Foundation