[Bush Foundation](https://www.bushfoundation.org)

April 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to $450,000 over 3 years (max $150,000/year, not exceeding 25% of org’s annual expenses) plus $10,000 for capacity building.

Flexible operating support for organizations that empower problem solvers in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations.

Next application cycle opens in 2027 due to extended current grant terms.

--- ## Description This program provides significant, flexible operating support to organizations that help others solve problems creatively and effectively throughout the Bush Foundation’s region. The focus is on organizations that serve as critical infrastructure for problem-solving—providing data, advancing policy, spreading innovative ideas, building leadership networks, and supporting equity and community engagement. Special consideration is given to organizations supporting Native nation sovereignty, student-centered learning, or using art to address community challenges. Grantees are selected for their broad impact and are promoted by the Foundation to amplify their reach. --- ## Due Dates - April 2027 (anticipated/projected, full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $450,000 over 3 years (up to $150,000 per year, not to exceed 25% of the organization’s annual expenses) - Additional $10,000 available to support skill-building to work across differences - Occasional supplemental funding may be available for extraordinary, one-time opportunities aligned with the grant’s purpose --- ## Eligibility Organizations must meet the following criteria: - Serve or be based in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or the 23 Native nations sharing this geography - Eligible applicants: - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - Government entities (including schools) - Coalitions/collaboratives (one organization receives the grant) - Organizations with a fiscal sponsor holding 501(c)(3) status - In rare cases, other organization types (contact the Foundation for guidance) - Organizations must be relied upon by others and typically work across multiple issues or specialize in: - Supporting Native nation sovereignty - Promoting student-centered learning - Using art and culture to solve community problems --- ## Application Process - Applications will open in 2027 (timeline may shift; check the program page for updates) - Application is submitted through an online form; alternative submission methods can be arranged if needed - Fiscal sponsors (if applicable) must provide a formal fiscal sponsorship agreement and act as the applicant - Required application materials may include: - Organizational overview and area of impact - Evidence of supporting problem solvers (data, policy, capacity building, leadership networks) - Financial documentation (audits, IRS Form 990, or internal statements) - References from organizations/leaders who rely on your work - Review criteria emphasize impact, breadth of support, equity advancement, and organizational stability For full application questions and criteria, see the [application questions & criteria page](https://www.bushfoundation.org/application-questions-criteria/). --- ## Additional Information - The Foundation prioritizes equity, especially for marginalized and rural communities, and is committed to supporting organizations advancing racial equity both internally and externally. - Current grantees may request additional funding for extraordinary, one-time opportunities that inspire and support creative problem-solving across the region. - Organizations working with a fiscal sponsor must ensure the sponsor meets all requirements and is prepared to manage the grant. --- ## External Links - [Program page: Ecosystem Grants](https://www.bushfoundation.org/opportunities/ecosystem-grants-organizations/) - [Current Ecosystem grantees](https://www.bushfoundation.org/2023-ecosystem-grants/) - [Application questions & criteria](https://www.bushfoundation.org/application-questions-criteria/) - [Fiscal sponsorship information](https://www.bushfoundation.org/fiscal-sponsorship-information/) - [Contact Bush Foundation](https://www.bushfoundation.org/contact-us/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |----------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Email | staff@bushfoundation.org | | Phone | 651-379-2249 | | Address | 101 Fifth Street East, Suite 2400, Saint Paul, MN 55101 | | Online Contact | [Contact Form](https://www.bushfoundation.org/contact-us/) |

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