BUSH PRIZE
North Dakota
In partnership with Strengthen ND and the Bush Foundation.
FREE BUSH PRIZE WEBINAR (INFORMATIONAL)
Bush Prize Webinar: Below is the sign up information for the upcoming Bush Prize Webinar.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Mar 27, 2025 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Please Note: Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend or view the live information session regarding the Bush Prize, which will be offered on March 27, 2025. Due to the nature of the Bush Prize as a competitive award, individual technical assistance and brainstorming regarding an applicant’s proposal content will not be held. Any direct assistance with explaining criteria, application input systems, or timeline can be directed to megan@strengthennd.com.
APPLY FOR THE 2025 BUSH PRIZE
The Bush Prize program identifies and honors extraordinary organizations that consistently engage and lead their community toward creative solutions and provides them with flexible support to keep doing that work and supports them to amplify their story to inspire others.
Beginning in 2023, the Bush Foundation Prize competition has been divided among the three states and Native Nations sharing their geography supported by the Bush Foundation, with separate localized organizations managing the competition for their state and 23 Native Nations.
How to Apply:
MEET PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE BUSH PRIZE
North Dakota Native Vote
Founded in 2018, North Dakota Native Vote’s mission is to educate tribal communities to construct a representative democracy through community organizing, leadership development, civic engagement, and public policy advocacy.
North Dakota Assistive
North Dakota Assistive is a non-profit organization that strives to bring assistive technology devices and services into the lives of North Dakotans of all ages who need it. Their goal is to help bridge the gap between ability and disability using assistive technology.
New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation (NRABC)
The NRABC actively promotes economic and community development in New Rockford, North Dakota, to aid in the generation of tax revenues and to improve the overall sustainability and quality of life for residents and businesses in the community.
Ministry on the Margins
Ministry on the Margins is a volunteer-based ecumenical ministry committed to supporting those who fall through the cracks during times of transition. We offer hospitality and coffee, a food pantry, prison-to-society support, an ecumenical Christian worship service, and many other ministries every week.
BUSH PRIZE OVERVIEW
The Bush Prize celebrates organizations with a track record of successful community problem solving. Bush Prize honorees are extraordinary not only in what they do, but in how they do it. They work inclusively, in partnership with others, to make our region better for everyone.
The Bush Prize program identifies and honors extraordinary organizations that consistentlyengage and lead their community toward creative solutions, equips/provides them with flexible support to keep doing that work, and supports them to amplify their story to inspire others.
Every year, two Bush Prize: North Dakota honorees will be selected. Honorees receive a package of recognition, including a flexible award of $250,000 to invest in their creative capital.
Each year the Bush Prize is awarded in each of the three states served by the Bush Foundation: Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, including the 23 Native Nations that share the same geography.
PURPOSE & MISSION
- The Bush Prize honors extraordinary organizations in North Dakota that demonstrate creative community problem-solving.
- Recognizes organizations that engage, lead, and create transformative solutions in their communities.
- Offers flexible funding to support ongoing innovation, capacity-building, and impact amplification.
Prize and Funding
- Two organizations will be selected as Bush Prize: North Dakota honorees in 2025.
- Each winner will receive a $250,000 flexible grant, which can be used for:
- Expanding programs
- Building reserves
- Testing innovative solutions
- Supporting operational sustainability
- The funds cannot be used for debt repayment but must be used for charitable purposes.
SUPPORT FOR HONOREES
Strengthen ND will provide:
- Public recognition and media support.
- Ongoing communication and check-ins throughout the award period.
- Opportunities for honorees to connect and learn from each other.
- A final reporting process to capture lessons learned and impact.
ELIGIBILITY
- 501(c)(3) public charities
- Government entities (including schools)
- Fiscal sponsor-supported projects
- Must be based in North Dakota or one of the five Native Nations that share North Dakota’s geography.
- Must demonstrate a track record of creative community problem-solving spanning at least three to five years.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The 2025 Bush Prize focuses on:
- Impact of Creative Problem-Solving
- History of Innovation & Solutions
- Organizational Culture & Leadership
- Does the organization consistently lead in creative solutions to community challenges?
- Are their solutions effective, equitable, and sustainable?
- Can their work serve as a model for others?
- Does the organization have a history of working across their community to develop solutions?
- Have they implemented and tested innovative approaches?
- Can they provide specific examples of past success?
- Is the leadership strong, values-driven, and community-rooted?
- Does the organization have a culture of creative problem-solving?
- How do they encourage collaboration and cross-sector partnerships?
TIMELINE
March 27th, 2025 – Bush Prize Question & Answer Webinar
April 1st, 2025 – Bush Prize Applications Open Apply Here!
April 30th, 2025 – Bush Prize Applications Close
June 1st to July 31st, 2025 – Internal Review & Due Diligence
August 1st to August 31st, 2024 – Final Selection & Notification
TBD – Fall 2025 – Public Announcement of Honorees
2025 PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS
Expanded Definitions
New criteria emphasize “Transformational Change” and “Track Record of Creative Community Problem-Solving.”
Stronger Selection Process
- June – July 2025: Internal due diligence and review.
- August 2025: Final selection and confidential notification.
- TBD – Fall 2025: Public announcement of winners