[South Dakota Community Foundation](https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org)

April 2026 (Applications Open) | April 2026 (Applications Close)

Two awards of $250,000 each; flexible use for organizational needs; annual program.

Flexible, high-profile awards for South Dakota organizations with a proven record of transformational, creative community impact.

Awarded to organizations, not projects; only two recipients selected per year.

--- ## Description The Bush Prize: South Dakota recognizes and celebrates extraordinary organizations that are highly valued within their communities and have a strong track record of transformational impact through creative solutions. The program is designed to honor organizations that consistently engage and lead their communities toward innovative approaches, providing them with flexible, significant funding to support their ongoing work. The award is intentionally flexible, allowing recipients to use funds to build reserves, test new ideas, or address other organizational needs. The Bush Prize is awarded annually in partnership with the Bush Foundation. --- ## Due Dates - **Applications Open (anticipated):** April 2026 - **Applications Close (anticipated):** April 2026 (Noon CT/11:00am MT) - **Initial Review & Finalist Notification (anticipated):** July 2026 - **Finalist Site Visits (anticipated):** July–August 2026 - **Notification of Honorees (anticipated):** September 2026 - **Public Announcement (anticipated):** Late October or early November 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Awards:** Two organizations will each receive $250,000. - **Use of Funds:** Highly flexible—may be used for building reserves, piloting new initiatives, or other organizational priorities (except paying down debt). - **Frequency:** Annually. - **Note:** Funds must support work in South Dakota. --- ## Eligibility - Organizations must use the award for a charitable purpose. - Eligible applicants: - 501(c)(3) public charities - Government entities (including schools) - Applicants using a fiscal sponsor (the sponsor must submit the application and will receive the funds if awarded) - Must be located in South Dakota or one of the 9 Native Nations sharing this geography; the work highlighted must have occurred within this area. - Organizations that have received a Bush Prize in the past 10 years are not eligible. - Organizations must demonstrate at least 3–5 years of creative community problem solving. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidance:** Read the [2026 information packet and FAQs](https://d1bamnqez24jrj.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Application-Questions-and-FAQ.2025.pdf) for details on application questions and requirements. 2. **Register:** Create an account on the [GOapply grant portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/sdcfgrants/opportunities). New accounts require approval before access. - See the [GOapply User Guide](https://d1bamnqez24jrj.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/GOapply-User-Experience-SDCF-Grants.01.27.25.pdf) for step-by-step instructions. 3. **Prepare Application:** Gather organizational information, describe your history of creative solutions, transformational impact, and approach to community problem solving. 4. **Submit:** Complete and submit your application via GOapply before the anticipated deadline in April 2026. 5. **Review Process:** Initial review in May–June; finalists notified in July; site visits and reference checks in July–August; honorees notified in September; public announcement in late October/early November. --- ## Additional Information - Only two organizations are selected each year. - The Bush Prize seeks to recognize a diverse portfolio of organizations (varying in size, community served, and type of innovation). - Past winners are showcased publicly to inspire others. - Applicants not selected can request feedback on their application. - Funds cannot be used to pay down debt. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Bush Prize: South Dakota](https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/grants/bush-prize-south-dakota) - [GOapply Grant Portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/sdcfgrants/opportunities) - [2026 Application Questions & FAQ (PDF)](https://d1bamnqez24jrj.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Application-Questions-and-FAQ.2025.pdf) - [GOapply User Guide (PDF)](https://d1bamnqez24jrj.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/GOapply-User-Experience-SDCF-Grants.01.27.25.pdf) - [List of Past Bush Prize Winners](https://www.bushfoundation.org/bush-prize-winners-through-the-years/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|------------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------| | Ginger Niemann | Senior Program Officer | [gniemann@sdcommunityfoundation.org](mailto:gniemann@sdcommunityfoundation.org) | 605-224-1025 | | Stephanie Harmon | Program Assistant | [sharmon@sdcommunityfoundation.org](mailto:sharmon@sdcommunityfoundation.org) | 605-224-1025 | | SDCF General | - | [info@SDCommunityFoundation.org](mailto:info@SDCommunityFoundation.org) | 605-224-1025 | For more information or technical support with GOapply, contact the SDCF Grants Team.

Bush Prize: South Dakota

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