Who We've Funded

Saint Paul, MN — Ampers is an association of 18 independent grassroots hyperlocal radio stations that primarily serve underserved communities, including BIPOC and rural communities, with 14 of the 18 stations serving communities in greater Minnesota. Four of the stations are licensed to and serve Native American communities. KMOJ is the only radio station in Minnesota whose sole mission is to serve communities of color. Collectively, Ampers provides programming in 11 different languages including Hmong, Somali, Oromo, Ojibwe, Spanish, and more. Through a media sponsorship, we are able to reach people throughout Minnesota to make them aware of our program offerings and resources throughout the year.

Arlington, VA — Sponsor the 2024 Aurora Institute Symposium on November 3-5, 2024 in New Orleans Louisiana

Saint Paul, MN — Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) will develop and test a new model of shared space, accessible training and supports for childcare microbusinesses to increase the number of licensed Latina providers in Minnesota. The new Eastside Business Hub will include an incubator to help launch Latina-owned childcare businesses and improve the likelihood of their long-term success. The incubator will house several childcare microbusinesses and provide rental subsidies and supports that enable providers to establish stronger businesses. This ensures the continued growth and expansion of high-quality childcare businesses as owners move into other locations and new businesses move into the incubator. CLUES will also provide culturally relevant training, build networks for childcare providers in greater Minnesota, and advocate for policy changes to address many of the challenges currently faced by Latina childcare providers.

Washington, DC — To sponsor the Council on Foundations 2024 Building Together: Leading Collaboratively Across Differences conference

Minneaoplis, MN — Additional support for the 2024 Student-Centered Learning for Equity (SCL4E) event

St. Paul, MN — Exodus Lending will spread the Resiliency Loan Program as an alternative to payday and other high-interest small-dollar predatory loans. This innovative lending model offers no-interest personal loans through a network of community partners in areas with payday lenders and are structured to help people who need immediate relief, while building credit history and supporting future wealth building. Community partners offer related family economic success training and wrap-around support to loan recipients to reduce their reliance on payday lenders. Exodus Lending will also work to influence other financial institutions’ underwriting methods to be more accessible and equitable, and to increase protections against predatory lending schemes through grassroots organizing and legislative action.

Saint Paul, MN — The Bush Foundation is supporting an effort to host the Sundance Film Festival in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Sioux Falls, SD — South Dakota Public Broadcasting is a member-supported, community-based, commercial-free public broadcasting service supported by the Friends of South Dakota Public Broadcasting. They include a multimedia network of TV, radio, print and digital media that reaches 98% of South Dakotans. Through a media sponsorship, we are able to support local news media and reach people throughout South Dakota to make them aware of our program offerings and resources throughout the year.

Minneapolis, MN — The Friends of the Falls will develop and test a new model for transferring federal property to collective tribal ownership and control. This 2-year phase will focus on developing the process for land conveyance and a sustainable model of Dakota leadership to provide ongoing oversight for the property. It will also include planning for the future use of the land, including community and stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and site development, centering Indigenous voices and decision-making at multiple levels and spaces. The ultimate aim of this work is to support Tribal land reclamation efforts and to strengthen tribal sovereignty.

Portland, OR — To support the 2024 Grantmakers for Education Conference October 16-18 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Washington, DC — GEO 2024 National Conference convening on May 20-22 in Los Angeles, California.

Saint Paul, MN — Evaluation support for Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) to use in evaluating and spreading learning from their work in preserving naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) by working with housing organizations and investors to buy at-risk properties as they come on the market

Minneapolis, MN — Lake Street Council and community development partners will develop and test a new, more equitable approach to address climate change. This 2-year project will develop new funding and service programs to be tested in three diverse Twin Cities commercial corridors. The aim of this initiative is to build collective capacity to de-silo climate change and economic development systems through a community-designed approach, and ultimately increase access to wealth building opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs.

Washington, DC — Dr. Donald Warne in partnership with Leavitt Partners is pulling together representatives from Tribes and Tribal Interest Organizations, Health Systems, Higher Education Institutions and the Private Sector to form the American Indian Medical Education Strategies Alliance (AIMES). This new alliance will pursue a common agenda focusing on the creation of an Indian Health Service (IHS), equivalent to the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Office of Academic Affiliations, to create and coordinate graduate medical education (GME) partnerships and opportunities between teaching hospitals and IHS facilities.

Minneapolis, MN — Minnesota Uber/Lyft Drivers Association (MULDA), a sponsored organization of the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), seeks to establish the first driver’s cooperative in Minnesota, giving drivers greater ownership of their working conditions, including a minimum wage, all while ensuring that there is an alternative rideshare company. This project will provide the resources needed to establish critical governance and systemic infrastructure needed to position this BIPOC-led driver co-op to succeed.

Saint Paul, MN — Speaker fee for Minnesota Council of Nonprofits 2024 Nonprofit Fundraising Conference

Minneapolis, MN — Bringing resources to the field of local journalism in Minnesota and strengthening the infrastructure and collaboration required to build a durable news and information ecosystem statewide.

Saint Paul, MN — Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) is a vital community resource producing and broadcasting high-quality, commercial-free programs and valuable community outreach projects to educate, enlighten and entertain. MPR has the largest member-supporting listener base of any public radio station in the nation. Through a media sponsorship, we are able to support local news media and reach people throughout Minnesota to make them aware of our program offerings and resources throughout the year.

Minneapolis, MN — MinnPost aims to increase accountability of government and public institutions, foster civic engagement and conversations, and illuminate the human lives affected by decision-making in Minnesota. The newsroom covers a range of state and local topics, including the environment, criminal justice, housing, public safety, racial disparities, health equity, urban planning, and arts & culture — with a particular focus on how decisions are made and how public policies impact the lives of Minnesotans. Through a media sponsorship, we are able to support local news media and reach people throughout Minnesota to make them aware of our program offerings and resources throughout the year.

Washington, DC — Native Americans in Philanthropy 2024 Annual Conference on April 22-25, 2024, in Minneapolis, MN.

Minneapolis, MN — Native Governance Center will spread a tested model to improve the financial management and capacity of Tribes within our region over the next six years. This Native-led effort will build leadership, cultivate networks, and establish sustainable financial practices that support Native nations' ability to advance their citizens quality of life, promote Tribal sovereignty and Native self-determination.

Saint Paul, MN — The Limited Interest Liquidity Facility Guaranty (ILF-C Guaranty) is used to secure capital to support a portion of the interest liquidity facility as part of NOAH Pool II LLC. It is an important part of the capital structure necessary to secure lower-cost capital for acquiring naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH).

Bismarck, ND — North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations 2024 Nonprofit Leadership Conference on May 29-30, 2024, in Bismark, ND.

St. Paul, MN — A ten-year program related investment (PRI) to Northcountry Cooperative Foundation to expand its work to convert manufactured housing communities to resident-owned communities and build wealth through cooperative ownership of the land, with a particular focus on BIPOC households and rural communities.

Washington, DC — To support the Peak Grantmaking 2024 convening and Newcomer Reception happening March 18-20 in Seattle, WA.

Rapid City, SD — To support 2024 South Dakota Day of Giving

Saint Paul, MN — To contribute additional funds to the Bush Foundation Staff Fund. This is a mid-year contribution for unexpected honorariums that come up for the remainder of 2024.

Fort Yates, ND — A 5-year program-related investment (PRI) to SAGE Development Authority to support the successful completion of the pre-development process for the Anpetu Wi (Morning Light) wind farm. This will be a 235MW wind farm owned by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to develop energy self-reliance while upholding cultural values, meeting economic goals, and combating climate change.

Anpetu Wi is expected to be the single largest revenue source for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. It will be developed on tribal land and aims to fundamentally change the Tribe's relationship with renewable energy to foster sustainability, sovereignty and good stewardship of Unci Maka (Grandmother Earth).

Duluth, MN — WDSE/WRPT Television (also known as PBS North) is a trusted public service that believes in the power of a well-told story to engage, inspire and enrich the lives in the communities that they serve. They have served the community for more than 56 years with five over-the-air channels, two of which are also live streaming, a robust social media presence, and the free PBS Video App. Through a media sponsorship, we are able to support local news media and reach people throughout the region to make them aware of our program offerings and resources throughout the year.

Minneapolis, MN — African American Leadership Forum (AALF) builds and supports networks of leaders within the African American community. It does this by convening leaders across sectors and across a number of issues impacting the African American community, including economics, health and education. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Washington, DC — Partnership for Equitable and Resilient Communities (PERC), a collaborative effort of the Amalgamated Foundation, is bringing national funding to support efforts in St. Paul (and up to 15 additional cities nationwide) to ensure Black, Indigenous, and Latino/a/x people living in low-wealth, under-resourced communities have a say in how government dollars are spent.

Saint Paul, MN — Amherst H. Wilder Foundation (Wilder) operates Minnesota Compass, a research project used by organizations and leaders to make data-informed decisions on issues that affect the quality of life for all Minnesotans; and the Community Equity Program, which is increasing Black, Indigenous and people of color representation in Minnesota’s legislative policy decisions. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Sioux Falls, SD — Arts South Dakota works to improve South Dakota by advancing arts through service, education and advocacy. They produce a series of arts info sheets and metrics focusing on the importance of arts grant programs by the South Dakota Arts Council, the economic impact of the arts, plus arts education and arts in Native lands. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Bush Foundation membership dues for Asian American-Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy for 2024, 2025 and 2026

New York, NY — Bush Foundation membership dues for the Association of Black Foundation Executives for 2024, 2025 and 2026.

New York, NY — Bush Foundation membership dues for Candid for 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Saint Paul, MN — Center for Economic Inclusion (CEI) brings together cross-sector partners to work towards regional prosperity and to foster an inclusive economy. They do this through collecting and publishing data, hosting events, and providing technical assistance to organizations ready to transform their practices. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Mankato, MN — Center for Rural Policy and Development provides nonpartisan research and evaluation to support policymaking on a wide range of issues that impact Greater Minnesota. They do this by surveying thought leaders across the state; providing critical data collection and analysis; and advocating at the state level on issues important to rural communities. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Saint Paul, MN — Citizens League is a nonpartisan organization that works to involve citizens in Minnesota in policymaking. They frequently play the backbone role in collective work to address policy issues in addition to their own policy work that seeks innovative solutions to difficult issues through inclusive, cross-sector, multi-partisan processes. They also host events and operate an internship program for Black, Indigenous and people of color college students to work in policy positions. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Saint Paul, MN — Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) has created a network of more than 5,000 leaders spanning 24 of Minnesota's 40+ Asian ethnic groups, working in all sectors, and representing multiple generations. CAAL’s work focuses on education, economics and immigration, with policy strategies developed through workgroups of leaders. They also provide research and mobilize community members around priorities. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Bismarck, ND — CTB (formerly the Center for Technology in Business) is a certified entrepreneurial center. They offer a number of programs focused on business development, including the North Dakota Women’s Business Center. They also operate the Women’s Leadership Program that supports leadership development and connectivity in North Dakota. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Renner, SD — Dakota Resources is a capacity provider that primarily supports small, rural communities in South Dakota. They operate a variety of programs to support community development in towns across the state, including providing financial support, training, technical assistance and supporting leadership networks. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

New York, NY — Bush Foundation membership dues for Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy for 2024, 2025 and 2026

Fargo ND, ND — Emerging Prairie supports the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in North Dakota. Programs include Prairie Capital Summit, which works to grow private capital investment in the Midwest; StartupBREW, a weekly event to support entrepreneurs in Fargo; and TEDxFargo. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Rapid City, SD — First Peoples Fund’s mission is to support those who see art and culture as ways to strengthen Native communities. They provide direct support through grants to Native artists, culture bearers and the organizations that support them. They provide trainings that 1,500+ Native artists have attended, and they conduct national research and develop reports on investing in the Indigenous arts ecology. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Eagle Butte, SD — Paskho, a Black-owned sustainable clothing brand in partnership with Four Bands Community Fund, will launch Awaremade, a cooperative governing structure overseeing the Oyate Pod, and the growth of additional sewing Pods on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in Eagle Butte, SD. Awaremade will oversee the development of wrap-around support services, training and profit-sharing structures with the makers (employees of the Oyate Pod).

Edina, MN — For GiveMN general operating support and for additional prize grants for spring giving days as well as Give to the Max Day 2024.

Bronx, NY — To support the Grantmakers in the Arts 2025 Annual Conference in the Twin Cities.

Saint Paul, MN — To support the Itasca Project in 2024, 2025 and 2026

Minneapolis, MN — To support Generation Next in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Sisseton, SD — Neighborworks Dakota Coalition (NDC) will take on a unique moment in the CDFI recertification process and ensure that the process works better for Native and rural Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Additionally, they will influence regional, state and national affordable housing conversations with the collective voice of people from South Dakota, North Dakota and Native nations.

San Francisco, CA — This grant supports the 2023 Unity Summit. Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) is the fiscal sponsor of CHANGE Philanthropy who will host the 2023 Unity Summit in person and virtually October 16 - 19, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. We are providing sponsorship for the Summit as it is one of the largest convenings in philanthropy and aims to highlight the integration of diversity, inclusion, and social justice into philanthropic practice, amplify equitable philanthropic practices that address structural and institutional change, and magnify community priorities of partners with an intersectional approach to investing.

Fargo, ND — Impact Foundation focuses on capacity building for nonprofits throughout North Dakota. Their programs include the Impact Institute that annually teaches 300+ attendees, one-on-one coaching on fundraising, Giving Hearts Day, and assistance to grassroots causes and community projects by managing their donations and reporting. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Washington, DC — This grant is to support five scholarships to attend the Upswell Summit, happening November 15-17, in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

Little Canada, MN — Indian Land Tenure Foundation is a national organization focused on land reclamation as central to tribal sovereignty. They conduct critical data collection and analysis on issues related to tribal lands. They work with tribes on projects to expand land ownership and to create economic benefit from land holdings. They also educate and work for policy change related to tribal land stewardship. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Cincinnati, OH — KnowledgeWorks is a national organization that advocates for more personalized, competency-based learning through policy and practice. They conduct research, produce reports and work to influence state and federal policy makers. They also support schools and districts to implement more competency-based learning through their capacity-building partnerships and networks. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Saint Paul, MN — Catalyst Initiative (Latino Economic Development Center) is a consortium of five community development corporations that serve minority-owned businesses in the Twin Cities Metro and Greater Minnesota. Together, these organizations are working to increase the quality and quantity of support for BIPOC-led businesses in Minnesota, including creating the MN Inclusive Growth Fund. (The participating organizations are: Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA), Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS), and Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF).) Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Saint Paul, MN — LatinoLEAD is a cross-sector networking organization for Latino professionals. They create action teams to address issues related to Latino communities in Minnesota, with particular focus on leadership development, education reform, and supporting Latino communities in Greater Minnesota. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

5415, MN — National Association of Corporate Directors-Minnesota Chapter (NACD) will build a community of nonprofit board leaders that exchange best practices, support each other in their board journeys, provide access for those not typically in board service, and collectively elevate the governance of their organizations across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Saint Paul, MN — Minnesota Education Equity Partnership (MNEEP) works to improve outcomes for both students of color and Indigenous students. They provide several capacity-building programs and tools, advocate for policy issues at the state and local levels and are a go-to support organization for others wanting to improve education equity. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

New York City, NY — Bush Foundation Membership dues for Mission Investors Exchange for 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Washington, DC — Modern Classrooms will spread the implementation of student-centered learning practices in Minnesota through training and support to individual educators. We are providing a third year of funding for Modern Classrooms to continue to spread student-centered learning in Minnesota, and expand to North Dakota and South Dakota.

Washington, DC — Bush Foundation membership dues for National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy for 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Saint Paul, MN — Native Ways Federation promotes more equitable philanthropy and donor education in support of Native–led solutions. They raise awareness and support for Native communities; grow the effectiveness of Native nonprofits; and ensure high ethical standards for nonprofits serving Native communities. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Saint Paul, MN — Nexus Community Partners is one of two steward organizations selected to design and operate community trust funds, seeded with $100 million by the Bush Foundation to address wealth disparities caused by historic racial injustices in our region. Nexus’ Open Road Fund will address wealth gaps in Black communities across MN, ND and SD and redefine wealth according to values of the Black community, reaffirming the excellence that has always been in Black people.

Bismarck, ND — Souris Basin Planning Council, a sponsored organization of North Dakota Community Foundation, promotes community building across North Dakota. They specialize in supporting small business and economic development organizations in rural, underserved communities and they advance policy solutions by advocating for change at the local, state and federal levels. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Fargo, ND — The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition (NDHRC) supports organizing, policy advocacy and public education on human rights issues relevant to North Dakota’s LGBTQ+ and Black, Indigenous and people of color communities. They coordinate a broad-based coalition of individuals and organizations interested in advancing human rights through information, education, and legislative action. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Fargo, ND — North Dakota State University Extension provides education opportunities for adults in North Dakota. Their programs include: Lead Local, a one-day training for aspiring, elected and appointed leaders serving on boards, councils and committees; Rural Leadership North Dakota; and the Extension Soil and Water Conservation Leadership Academy. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Minneapolis, MN — The Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) will develop and test an innovative Black food business incubator that supports entrepreneurs and promotes a regenerative economy in North Minneapolis. Modeled after the Hatchery in Chicago, NEON’s facility will further innovate this model by incorporating other functions including adding a retail component to drive Northside visibility and vitality.

Minneapolis, MN — PFund Foundation advances public understanding on issues facing queer citizens. They promote equity for LGBTQ+ communities by providing grants and scholarships, developing leaders and inspiring giving. Their programs include the Equity Fund for Queer Entrepreneurs of Color to strengthen the region’s queer economic ecosystem, and the PRISM Fund to support rural-serving queer organizations in the Upper Midwest. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.

Minneapolis, MN — Minneapolis Documenters aims to remove barriers to civic participation by increasing equitable access to and participation in local government meetings, resulting in a community-owned public record. Through open processes and tools, individuals are equipped to gather information and report on their local government bodies and public meetings. A 2024 media sponsorship for Pillsbury United Communities, which operates the local chapter, supports this work.