COVID-19 Response

We are cancelling the 2020 Bush Prize program in order to redirect funds to aid people dealing with the economic effects of the outbreak in our region. The Bush Prize is an important program to us and to the organizations that receive it, and it is an extraordinary step for us to cancel it. We think this extraordinary moment calls for it. We are very sorry for any disappointment this causes for organizations that were planning to apply. All other grant programs will continue as planned.

Our grantees are balancing a lot right now, and we want to support them to focus where they need to by offering flexibility around their grants. We will be reaching out to all current grantees with more information, and will work with them to adapt grant terms as needed.

We have transitioned to remote work until further notice. Meetings scheduled at our office will be rescheduled or held virtually. Individual staff members can still be reached by email or phone as usual (visit our staff page for contact information). We are working to adapt our upcoming Bush Foundation-hosted events to be virtual. Details on specific events will be shared soon.

We are actively looking for ways to assist communities around our region during this time of need. We have already committed to supporting the launch of the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund and the Coronavirus Response Fund at the South Dakota Community Foundation with major contributions. These funds will help address needs that arise in those states due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to finding ways our support can reach people in need in communities across the region. We will also expedite consideration of Community Innovation grant applications related to COVID-19.