The Bush Foundation

10/23/2026

Drawing on the wisdom of elders to build community language courses, Dr. Tyler Parisien is inspiring others in Belcourt, North Dakota!

Tyler (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) is working to revitalize the Michif language and preserve the cultural knowledge it carries. Ultimately, he hopes to build long-term resources and mentor emerging leaders to ensure Michif is actively spoken for generations to come.

Celebrating these visionary leaders reminds us of the deep talent across our region. Read more about Tyler and his work: https://bit.ly/47fNR2b

10/22/2026

As part of our open process, we’re opening up the opportunity for organizations interested in being one of our community grant partners.

We work with and through four grant partners to support creative problem solving throughout the region.

Our current partners (shown in the photo) are always welcome to re-apply, and we want others to be aware of the opportunity.

This is a long-term partnership that starts in 2028. If your organization is passionate about fueling creative solutions across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and 23 Native nations, check out the RFP to learn more: https://bit.ly/47j3eH8

RFP Submission Deadline: November 18 at noon CT.

10/21/2026

In Minneapolis, youth services leader Tia Joy Peterson is reimagining how better collaboration between systems can do more to protect and care for young people!

She is helping to improve how organizations and social services work together to support sexually exploited youth. Tia Joy believes that better research, training and policy can improve outcomes for young people who are exploited and ensure that they are treated with care and consistency.

We hope Tia Joy’s commitment to systemic change inspires you. Follow along as we celebrate more of our incredible 2026 Bush Fellows!

Learn more about Tia Joy and her vision: https://bit.ly/4jr9fJ7

10/20/2026

Do you have a research project that can help more people understand what is needed to ensure that we have strong and healthy rural communities in the region? If so, be sure to check out the Rural Philanthropy Institute (RPI) Research Fellowship opportunity!

RPI brings together practitioners, academics and others to develop data, share stories and experiences, and gain insights that offer a greater understanding of rural areas. (We’re grateful to support their efforts through our support of Dakota Resources and South Dakota Gives.)

The Fellowship offers $2,500–$5,000 stipends to support projects across a wide range of disciplines.

Applications are open through November 1. To learn more and apply, visit: https://bit.ly/4yJF4Br.

Rural Philanthropy Institute Research FellowshipThe Rural Philanthropy Institute (RPI) Research Fellowship supports research that deepens understanding of rural philanthropy, rural nonprofits, and the role the nonprofit sector plays in building and sustaining healthy rural communities.Announcing the...

10/19/2026

Out of central Minnesota, food systems leader Serdar Mamedov is building crucial bridges to expand food access in St. Cloud!

He is working to improve access to culturally appropriate food for new American communities. Serdar’s vision is a food system that is transparent, resilient, locally rooted and responsive to the cultural and religious needs of all communities.

Leaders like Serdar are scaling local solutions to strengthen our communities. More 2026 Fellow spotlights are coming your way soon — stay tuned!

Head to our website to read more about Serdar and his vision: https://bit.ly/3VAsru2

10/16/2026

Public health leader Nasra Giama is driving transformative, culturally grounded care across Lakeville, Minnesota and beyond! 👏

She is changing how health care systems serve immigrant and refugee communities. Nasra’s vision is to create a health care system where culturally grounded care is standard practice and women are supported across their entire lives.

Spotlighting these incredible Fellows is our favorite way to show what's possible when leaders have the space and resources to think big. We can't wait to share more 2026 Fellow spotlights with you soon!

Get to know Nasra and her inspiring work: https://bit.ly/47QSMGT

10/15/2026

High fives all around for this year’s Bush Prize honorees! 🎉

The Bush Prize recognizes organizations that do much needed work that is highly valued by the people in their communities. We list them here and encourage you to learn more about each one of them on our website: https://bit.ly/4yNXPUB

Bush Prize Minnesota: Family Tree Clinic, Fe y Justicia MN

Bush Prize Native Nations: Oaye Luta Okolakiciye, Oceti Sakowin Community Academy, Indigenous Peoples Task Force

Bush Prize North Dakota: Sheyenne GRIT, Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports

Bush Prize South Dakota: The South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, Boys & Girls Club of Rosebud

Many thanks to our wonderful community grant partners, who operate the Bush Prize and select the honorees in their communities: Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Good Relatives Collaborative, Strengthen ND and South Dakota Community Foundation!

10/14/2026

We're so inspired by the community organizing and reentry work Antonio Williams is leading in St. Paul, Minnesota!

He wants to transform how people return home from incarceration and reconnect to civic life. Antonio’s vision is to replace the current reentry model with a peer-led system that connects people to support, leadership pathways and civic life from the moment they return home.

We love celebrating the leaders making a lasting difference across our region! Watch our channels for more Fellow spotlights this season.

Learn more about Antonio and his vision: https://bit.ly/4yvAeXS

10/05/2026

Tomorrow is the deadline to apply for a 2027 Bush Fellowship!

Head to our website for resources to help you put the finishing touches on your application: https://bit.ly/3U61JbU

We know how much thought and heart goes into a Fellowship plan. We look forward to reading all of them!

10/02/2026

Thanks to Tane Danger and the Danger Boat Pro crew for a fun night of improv and philanthropy — in a bowling alley theater! We love The Theater of Public Policy's way of making wonky discussions both meaningful and entertaining!

We had a blast talking about what it takes to do philanthropy well and being able to share our book, "Please be Good at Philanthropy," with new audiences. And Jen and Tane (BF 2014) made a great improv pair themselves!

Thanks to all the familiar and new faces who came out on a rainy Tuesday for some laughs together!

Photos: Danger Boat Productions