Bush Fellowship program
Bush Fellowship program supports individual leaders with self-designed leadership development, giving them time and resources to grow their capacity to lead equitable, large-scale community change.
Funder: Bush Foundation
Due Dates: October 6, 2026, noon CT (Application) | December 1–4, 2026 (Semifinalist notification) | March 10–15, 2027 (Finalist notification) | April 15, 2027; April 19, 2027; April 22, 2027 (Interviews) | May 19–21, 2027 (Required retreat) | June 2027 (Public announcement)
Funding Amounts: Up to $150,000 per Fellow for up to two years; up to 30 Fellows selected annually
Summary: Supports self-designed leadership development to help individuals lead equitable, large-scale change in their communities.
Key Information: Applicants must maintain primary residence in the eligible region throughout the application process and Fellowship.
Description
The Bush Foundation’s Fellowship invests in individuals’ capacity to lead, rather than financing a business or creating, expanding or completing a project. It gives leaders time, resources and flexibility to pursue a self-designed development plan. Leaders from any sector—including business, government and nonprofit—are welcome.
The program seeks people with a track record of impact, outstanding character, openness to learning and a vision for equitable, large-scale change. Plans should transform the trajectory of a leader’s work, not simply fill a missing skill. Examples include studying public policy advocacy, learning from Māori language revitalization in New Zealand, or reducing work commitments to develop the capacity to bring a significant vision for change to life.
