Current Requests
We regularly do open calls for proposals (RFP) or qualifications (RFQ) to find partners who will help us do our work.
Request for Qualifications: legal services
We are looking for a full-service law firm to serve as our primary partner regarding all legal questions and concerns. We would like to engage a firm that offers comprehensive expertise around a broad spectrum of legal topics including employment and benefits, contracts, real estate, tax, data privacy and cybersecurity, IRS rules and restrictions for private foundations, intellectual property, litigation, risk management and other areas.
We are generally pleased with the service we have received from our current legal partner, but we believe it is good practice to periodically review services and cost, and to consider all options.
Download the RFQ (PDF) for more information.
Submissions are due by Friday, December 20, 2024, at noon Central. Email your materials to Kent Linder, finance and facilities associate, at klinder@bushfoundation.org and include a completed Vendor Demographic Form.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Chris Romano, chief operating officer, at cromano@bushfoundation.org.
Request for Qualifications: Communications Vendors
The Bush Foundation is developing a list of qualified, potential communications vendors to provide communications expertise and support for a variety of projects and needs. Vendors would work with our staff members on discrete projects within specific timelines. We will refer to this list when work arises and use it to identify partners that are well-suited to the project so that we can have more specific conversations about capacity, timing and contract terms.
Download the RFQ (PDF) for more information and instructions if you wish to be added to our list.
We will add potential vendors to the list as they are submitted.
Request for Information: Search and Recruitment Partner
We maintain a list of potential search and recruitment partners.
Our goal is to expand our network and offer potential partners the chance to understand our priorities and goals ahead of a specific request for a proposal. Because the need for a specific search usually occurs unexpectedly and with some urgency, we hope that doing some pre-work will help us build a broader network of search partners with diverse expertise and interests.
We plan to go to this list when a vacancy occurs and identify partners who are well suited to the specific search so that we can have more specific conversations about capacity, timing and contract terms.
Download the RFI (PDF) for instructions and if you wish to be added to our list.
Responses can be sent to talent@bushfoundation.org or to Attn: Talent Development, Bush Foundation, 101 Fifth Street East, Suite 2400, Saint Paul, MN 55101.
We will add partners to this list as they come in.
Vendor demographic form (PDF)
We recognize that our funding decisions have an impact on individuals and communities. This is true in both our grantmaking and vendor decisions. Data tells us that some segments of business owners encounter additional barriers that challenge their start-up and sustainability, such as access to capital and networking opportunities.
We want to be thoughtful about how our own spending can help address these barriers and make the region better for everyone. We encourage vendors who work with us to help by completing our vendor demographic form. We use information collected on this form as one of many considerations in our vendor decisions.
Recently Closed Requests
The Bush Foundation seeks a qualified Salesforce consultant to provide general support and maintenance for its Salesforce CRM platform.
We use Salesforce as a central hub for managing community relationships, grantmaking activities and program evaluation.
Download the RFP (PDF) for more information.
The response period closed on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
The Bush Foundation seeks proposals for quality tier 1 through tier 3 IT support and network administration services.
We are seeking a qualified IT provider to deliver comprehensive IT services, including infrastructure management, cybersecurity, data analytics and application development.
Download the RFP (PDF) for more information.
The response period closed on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
The Bush Foundation is planning to publish a book about philanthropy. Our president, Jen Ford Reedy, is the author.
The book is intended to be most useful to new board and staff members of foundations, and to serve as an orientation to the field and philanthropic strategy.
We need help figuring out the best choices for how to publish and distribute the book and how to get it in the hands of people we think could benefit from it.
Download the RFQ (PDF) for more information and how to share your information with us if you wish to be added to our list.
The response period closed on Monday, October 14, 2024.
We are looking for a consulting partner who can help us get smarter about the existing infrastructure in North Dakota related to impact investing, economic development, lending in underserved markets and the broader movement of capital. This likely includes learning about the roles of community and economic development organizations, local governments, housing or agriculture-focused organizations, banks, Tribes and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), among others.
Download the RFP (PDF) for more information.
The submission period closed on August 29, 2024.
The Bush Foundation has approximately 50 works of art in our Saint Paul, Minnesota, office, most of which are relatively recent works by Bush Fellows. We would like to document their current value for our own records as well as for insurance purposes. Our collection of artwork includes photography, sculpture, paintings, mixed media and other forms of art. We are not looking to add to or remove any pieces from our collection.
The submission period closed on Friday, August 16, 2024.
Download the RFP (PDF) for more information.
The Bush Foundation is developing a list of qualified, potential architect / design firms for a potential office space design project.
Our office lease expires in September 2025. NEOO Partners is acting as the Foundation’s broker/buyer’s representative in an RFP process for an office location. At this time, the Foundation is willing to consider moving into an existing building or being part of the construction of a new building. Depending on the proposals we receive, we may or may not need a test fit plan. We also may need an architect to assist with the office space design in an existing or newly constructed building.
To prepare for the possible scenarios, we are creating a short list of architect / design firms for future consideration.
Download the RFQ (PDF) for more information. Submissions closed on Friday, May 17, 2024.
The Bush Foundation is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for developers, property owners and brokers to lease or co-develop office space for the Foundation’s use around September 2025.
NEOO Partners is working with the Foundation to manage different phases of the work. They now are conducting the next phase, which includes acting as the Foundation’s broker/buyer’s representative to lead the Foundation through the RFP process, the leasing/purchase process and to ensure that the design and build out of any new space is completed in alignment with the expected timeline.
Download the updated RFP (PDF) for more information about the project and the selection process. We added a Q&A section to address common questions we are hearing about this opportunity.
Proposals closed on Thursday, April 25, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Herndon at chris@neoopartners.com.
The Bush Foundation is seeking information from travel agents to assist us with periodic travel arrangements for our various board, staff and community members.
Download the RFI (PDF) for more details and how to submit your information.
The RFI closed in January 2024.
We are seeking a provider to help us continue to elevate our website presence in ways that support our organizational purpose and connect more people to our grant programs and funding opportunities. This partner will develop, design and operate our website.
Download the RFP (PDF) for more information.
Proposals closed on Thursday, October 26, 2023.
We are seeking a Minnesota program partner to operate two grant programs that support Minnesota communities, beginning in 2024.
This partner will : 1) design and run a grant program that is consistent with the spirit and approach of our Community Innovation program; and 2) source and select the Bush Prize: Minnesota winners.
Download the RFP (PDF)
Proposals were due by 12:00 p.m. (noon CT) on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
We are seeking proposals for audit and tax services for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, and subsequent years. We welcome audit-only proposals, tax-only proposals or proposals to provide both services.
Our current audit and tax providers have served us well, but we believe it is good practice to periodically open opportunities like this for other firms to express interest.
Download the RFP (PDF)
Proposals were due on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
We are seeking proposals from qualified organizations or groups to administer the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) to all Foundation employees, engage in individual debrief of results and Individual Development Plans (IDPs), and provide an organizational view from the aggregated IDI results.
We have ongoing staff development related to diversity, equity and inclusion with a clear understanding of the need to support both individual development and collective learning. The IDI is an important part of this work.
Download the RFP (PDF)
The request for proposals closed on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
We are accepting letters of interest for an investment custodian. While we are generally satisfied with our current provider, we believe it is best practice to bring these opportunities to market from time to time.
Our custodial banking services consist of cash processing, accounting, reporting and general management of our 130-140 custodian accounts. When reviewing any proposals, we will consider: (1) experience managing the assets of a similarly sized organization ($1B or greater), (2) customization of services, (3) experience/expertise of service team, (4) demonstrated commitment to equity and DEI and (5) cost. We are not looking for any changes to our retail banking relationship at this time.
If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please reach out to Kent Linder at klinder@bushfoundation.org. We would ask you to submit a letter of interest including general information related to the criteria listed above. We are particularly interested in hearing from any companies located in MN, SD, ND or the 23 Native nations that share the same geography.
Submissions closed on August 15, 2023.
We are seeking an event planner to help handle the logistics and coordination of two gatherings for our Bush Fellowship program in the fall of 2023. Foundation staff will lead the content design for the events.
First Gathering: This will be a two-day, mid-Fellowship retreat on September 28 and 29 for up to 24 Fellows in the Twin Cities metropolitan area in Minnesota. We estimate a total of 30 attendees.
Second Gathering: This will be a three-hour Fellowship final celebration for up to 70 people. This will likely be in October of 2023 in the Twin Cities metropolitan area in Minnesota.
We anticipate the work to be $10,000 — $15,000, but we are open to what you might propose given the scope.
Download the full RFQ (PDF) for more information and how to apply. Submissions closed on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
We are looking for a partner(s) to support our work in envisioning our future office space and to provide related brokerage services. This work will likely entail two phases. The first phase is to facilitate a process to identify our space and office needs while considering our current hybrid work environment and ensuring that our real estate decisions are aligned with our values. The second phase will include contracting for real estate brokerage and related services.
Download the RFP (PDF) for information and application instructions. If you have any questions, please contact Kent Linder at klinder@bushfound.org.
Proposals closed on Friday, April 28, 2023.
We are inviting proposals from qualified search partners to recruit and hire the Foundation’s next Grantmaking Director, focused on the Bush Fellowship Program. We are looking for a partner who has experience successfully filling grantmaking or leadership development roles, a track record of success building racially and culturally diverse candidate pools and a strong commitment to excellent customer service for both clients and applicants.
Download the Invitation for Proposals for other details and application instructions. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Andrews at sandrews@bushfound.org.
Submissions closed at 12:00 p.m. (noon CT) on Monday, April 24, 2023.
The Bush Foundation is seeking a long-term partner to help advise on and implement its public / media relations efforts and outreach goals to grow our influence in the broader field of philanthropy and awareness about our grantmaking and opportunities in the region. We are seeking a partner with experience in two key areas: 1) public and media relations; and 2) outreach with diverse communities in our region.
Download the Request for Proposals (PDF) for information and application instructions.
Proposal submissions closed at 12:00 p.m. (noon CT) on Thursday, April 6, 2023.
We are seeking an organization that can hold and manage donor advised funds for the Bush Foundation board and staff.
We currently have two donor advised funds, one for board members and one for Foundation staff. In total, we advise between $100,000 and $300,000 in grants from each fund annually. Our current partner for our donor advised funds has served us well, but we believe it is good practice to periodically open opportunities like this for other organizations to express interest. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities; manage donor advised funds as part of their core work; and be located within our region of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share that geography.
Download the RFQ for more information.
Qualifications closed on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at noon Central.
We’re seeking a great organization (or two) to help us manage an envisioned $8 million scholarship endowment. We’re open to separating this into two endowments if one organization best serves Granite Falls and another St. Paul. To date, we’ve provided 25 scholarships to Granite Falls students and 50 to students in St. Paul in honor of Archie Bush’s legacy. We expect to continue at least this scale of investment in each community and could split the endowment accordingly if needed. The endowment also could stay whole if an organization demonstrates commitment and connection to both communities.
Download the full Request for Qualifications to learn more and determine if this might be a good fit for your organization or one you know.
Qualifications were due Thursday, August 11, 2022, at noon Central.
We are seeking organizations to support schools and stakeholders in our region to implement more student-centered learning practices in schools, which we believe can be a transformational practice in our region, leading to more equitable and relevant education. These organizations will help build the capacity of K-12 schools and educators to design, deliver and sustain student-centered learning approaches. Applicants should intend to support multiple school communities and have a proven track record of enabling more student-centered learning in schools.
Download the Request for Proposals for other details and application instructions.
Proposals were due Thursday, June 30 at noon Central.
The Bush Foundation is seeking a partner to operate two grant programs to distribute Bush Foundation funding to support Native nations and Native communities. This partner will operate the two grant programs alongside three other partners. Our four grant program partners will help us get funding to more communities and organizations to inspire and support creative problem solving to make our region better for everyone. The partners will design and operate a grantmaking program consistent with the spirit and intent of the Bush Foundation’s Community Innovation grant program. The partners will also co-own and operate the Bush Prize program.
Download the Request for Proposals for other details and application instructions.
We are no longer accepting proposals as of Thursday, January 27, 2022.
The Bush Foundation is seeking four partners to each operate two grant programs to distribute Bush Foundation funding. These partners will help us get funding to more communities and organizations to inspire and support creative problem solving to make our region better for everyone. Our grant program partners will design and operate a grantmaking program consistent with the spirit and intent of the Bush Foundation’s Community Innovation grant program. They will also co-own and operate the Bush Prize program. Applicants should have experience in the creation, design and execution of a grantmaking program, and with community-based selection processes.
Download the Request for Proposals for other details and application instructions.
Responses were due through our web portal by noon Central Time on Thursday, July 29, 2021.
We are seeking a local institution to provide business banking services including regular checking, short term investment options and related support services. The Bush Foundation has an impact investing strategy designed to utilize our cash and investments for good, and we are looking for a relationship with a bank that applies our impact investing principles. To make a positive impact on the communities we serve, institutions should be based in or have significant operations in our region. We will select a partner who embraces our commitment to equity in how it manages and staffs its business, its banking and lending products and services, and its other development work in our region.
Download the request for information (RFI) for other details and application instructions.
Responses were due May 28, 2021.
We are inviting proposals from qualified search partners to recruit and hire two Grantmaking Directors. We are looking for a partner who can demonstrate success building racially and culturally diverse candidate pools and has a track record of excellent customer service for clients and applicants.
Download the Invitation for Proposals for other details and application instructions.
Responses were due Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
We are requesting proposals for a consulting partner to support and build skills for engaging in courageous conversations and constructive conflict, with the goal of increasing psychological safety and advancing our goals to be an equitable and anti-racist organization.
Download the Request for Proposals (PDF) for details.
Proposal deadline was February 12, 2021.
We seek a consultant partner to review classifications and compensation for our staff. We are heading towards a more integrated, less siloed way of working and are seeking expert guidance to help us as we modify current roles and create new ones.
Download the Request for Proposals (PDF) for full details.
Proposal deadline was December 11, 2020.
We seek a partner to plan and execute our annual education convening, Student Centered Learning for Equity, in 2021 and 2022. The goal of the event is to inspire, equip and connect leaders to spread student-centered learning across our region; more than 600 people registered to attend the virtual event in 2020. This annual event is important to the movement-building goals of the education initiative and we seek a partner close to this work that can serve as the primary event manager.
Download the Request for Proposals (PDF) for full details.
Responses were due December 3, 2020.
We seek a partner to develop and implement a leadership cohort program to inspire, equip and connect tribal leaders to develop stronger tribal government financial systems. Participants may include elected officials, department heads, finance officers or others responsible for financial management and leadership, who come from or work within the 23 Native nations in our region.
As part of the project, an evaluation of the training program will need to be conducted. The Foundation is particularly interested in how the program inspires, equips and connects cohort participants.
Proposals were due April 16, 2020.
We are seeking a consultant to gather feedback on the clarity and effectiveness of our program descriptions. This work will include outreach to the feedback group, scheduling and conducting interviews, analyzing data and delivering a final report of feedback and recommendations.
Download the Request for Proposals (PDF) for project scope and timeline details.
Deadline for submissions was March 23, 2020.
We are seeking fund managers and intermediaries (entities seeking to raise capital to make investments in other organizations) that make a positive impact on place and equity in capital markets. More specifically, we are looking for fund managers and intermediaries that invest in organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography, and that invest to benefit people and places not well served by traditional financial markets.
Response deadline was January 31, 2020