The 2027 Bush Fellowship is now open for applications. It is offered by the Bush Foundation, this fellowship supports individuals who want to strengthen their leadership through a self-designed plan.
Selected Fellows receive up to $150,000 and time to carry out their leadership development plan. In addition, the fellowship is open to leaders from different sectors, including business, government, and nonprofit work.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 6, 2026: Applications close at noon CT
Eligible Countries: United States
Program Duration: Fellowships are for up to 2 years; selected Fellows must attend a retreat (May 19–21, 2027).
Program Location: Applicants must have lived in the region for at least one continuous year: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations that share the geography.
Funding/Benefits: Up to $150,000
Award Provider: Bush Foundation
About this Program
The Bush Fellowship is a self-designed leadership fellowship for people who want to grow their capacity to lead. Rather than funding a preset academic or training track, the program supports a plan created by the applicant.
According to the provided information, the fellowship gives selected participants the resources and time needed to pursue meaningful leadership development. Fellows are also expected to take part in a retreat and cohort-related activities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be at least 24 years old at the time of the application deadline.
- Applicants must have lived in the program region for at least one continuous year before applying.
- The region includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations that share the geography.
- Previous recipients of a Bush Fellowship, Bush Artist Fellowship, Bush Leadership Fellowship, Bush Medical Fellowship, or Enduring Vision Award are not eligible.
- Applicants are not eligible if they are a family member of a current Bush Foundation staff member or board member, as defined by the foundation.
- There is no specific citizenship requirement. However, non-U.S. citizens may have taxes withheld and reported to the IRS.
- Additional limits and rules apply to government and elected officials and to federal employees under IRS regulations.
What Fellows Receive: Selected Fellows receive up to $150,000 to support a self-designed leadership plan and the time to carry it out. The funding is intended for personal leadership development and not for a business, program, debt, lobbying, political contributions, or payments to another person or organization.
Program Components Self-designed leadership development plan; fellowship period of up to 2 years; required retreat from May 19–21, 2027; cohort activities; public announcement of Fellows the year following selection.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete their application before the deadline. Since additional guidance may apply to specific applicant categories, review the official page carefully before submitting.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
