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

July (review of memberships) | August (decisions) | September (notifications) | January (payments)

Varies by organization; support typically covers membership dues or related funding.

Provides grants to regional and national organizations advancing leadership, collaboration, and effectiveness in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.

--- ## Description The Bush Foundation's Memberships Program supports regional and national organizations that advance the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors through leadership, collaboration, data analysis, and professional development. The Foundation participates as a member or collaborator in a range of sector-supporting organizations, providing grants to foster collective impact, shared learning, and sector-wide improvement. The program aligns with the Foundation’s mission and values, with an emphasis on collaboration, leadership, and equity in philanthropy. Grants are intended to strengthen the effectiveness and growth of the nonprofit and philanthropic fields, particularly in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations within this geography. --- ## Due Dates - Memberships are reviewed annually, starting in **July**. - Decisions are made in **August**. - Organizations are notified in **September**. - Payments to membership organizations are made in **January** of the following calendar year. --- ## Funding Amount - Award amounts vary by organization and are typically intended to cover membership dues or related collaborative support. - Additional funding may be considered for organizations already supported through memberships, especially for event support or special opportunities. --- ## Eligibility - Regional or national organizations that: - Provide critical leadership and support for the philanthropic and/or nonprofit sector. - Focus on areas aligning with the Bush Foundation’s mission or strategy. - Offer data and analysis on trends in the philanthropic and/or nonprofit sector. - Provide learning and development benefits to Bush Foundation staff and board. - Extra consideration for organizations that: - Directly benefit people and communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and/or the 23 Native nations in this region. - Advance racial equity in the philanthropic and/or nonprofit sector. - Demonstrate potential for significant sector impact. --- ## Application Process - To apply, email your membership materials or a link to the relevant page(s) on your website to [staff@bushfoundation.org](mailto:staff@bushfoundation.org). - Include your mission, typical support amounts, and member benefits (if applicable). - If the Bush Foundation is already a member of your organization, you will automatically be considered for renewal (no need to submit materials). - Some proposals may be redirected to the [Partnership Fund](https://www.bushfoundation.org/opportunities/partnership-fund/) if a better fit. - The Foundation reviews all memberships and new requests annually in July, with decisions in August and notifications in September. --- ## Additional Information - The Foundation is committed to nurturing meaningful grantee-funder relationships, establishing clear expectations, embracing flexibility, and supporting grantees through risk. - The program encourages honest, open communication and supports grantees in ways that align with their learning and storytelling preferences. --- ## External Links - [Memberships Program Details](https://www.bushfoundation.org/opportunities/memberships-program) - [Bush Foundation Grantmaking Approach](https://www.bushfoundation.org/grantmaking-approach) - [Find Resources to Equip & Connect Leaders](https://www.bushfoundation.org/find-other-problem-solving-help/) - [Contact the Bush Foundation](https://www.bushfoundation.org/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |----------------|---------------------------------------------| | Email | [staff@bushfoundation.org](mailto:staff@bushfoundation.org) | | Phone | 651-379-2249 | | Address | 101 Fifth Street East, Suite 2400, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101 | | Contact Page | [Bush Foundation Contact](https://www.bushfoundation.org/contact-us) |

Memberships Program

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