Bush Foundation

Bush Foundation. The Bush Foundation is a private philanthropic organization established in 1953 by 3M executive Archibald Bush and his wife Edyth Bush. Headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, it is one of the largest foundations in the Upper Midwest and focuses its grantmaking on the communities of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native American nations that share the same geography. The foundation's work is centered on investing in great ideas and the people who power them, with a long-term commitment to building the capacity of individuals and organizations to solve problems within their communities.

History

The foundation was created with an initial gift from Archibald Bush, a key figure in the growth of the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, commonly known as 3M. Following his death in 1966, the bulk of his estate was bequeathed to the foundation, significantly increasing its endowment. Edyth Bush played a pivotal role in its early direction and later established her own philanthropic organization, the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, in Winter Park, Florida. For decades, the foundation operated as a traditional grantmaker, supporting a wide array of causes including higher education, the arts, and social services. A significant evolution occurred in the early 2010s when, under the leadership of President Jennifer Ford Reedy, it underwent a major strategic shift to focus more deeply on community leadership and systems change, moving beyond program-specific funding to invest in people and ideas.

Mission_and_Objectives

The mission is to inspire and support creative problem solving to make the Upper Midwest region better for everyone. Its core objectives are to build the capacity of individuals and organizations to lead change. This is operationalized through a focus on leadership development, believing that effective leaders are essential for healthy and equitable communities. The foundation aims to support both established and emerging leaders, particularly those from communities that have historically been excluded from positions of power and influence. Another key objective is to resource great ideas directly from the community, providing flexible support for projects that address systemic challenges in areas like education, economic development, and racial equity.

Programs_and_Initiatives

Its flagship program is the Bush Fellowship, a substantial two-year grant for individuals to pursue learning experiences that increase their leadership capacity. Other major initiatives include the Community Innovation grants, which support collaborative efforts to tackle community challenges, and the Bush Prize for Community Innovation, which recognizes organizations with a track record of innovative problem-solving. The foundation also runs the Native Nation Rebuilders program, designed to support Native American leaders in strengthening the governance and economic vitality of their nations. In partnership with the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation, it co-administers the MN Transform grants, focused on community wealth building.

Leadership_and_Governance

The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors composed of community leaders from across its region. The board sets the strategic direction and oversees fiduciary responsibilities. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff led by the President, a position held since 2012 by Jennifer Ford Reedy. Previous presidents include Anita M. Pampusch and Peter C. Hutchinson. The board and staff actively engage with community advisors and panels, including representatives from Native American communities, to inform its grantmaking strategies and ensure its work is responsive to the needs of the region.

Grants_and_Awards

It distributes millions of dollars annually through its various programs. The Bush Fellowship provides up to $100,000 over 24 months for personal leadership development. Community Innovation grants are typically awarded in amounts up to $200,000. The Bush Prize for Community Innovation offers unrestricted awards of up to $500,000. Grant recipients have included a diverse range of entities, from individual artists and tribal colleges like Sinte Gleska University to large nonprofits such as the Native American Community Development Institute and the Minneapolis Foundation. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals for most of its funding, instead using a nomination or application process specific to each program.

Category:Foundations based in Minnesota Category:Organizations established in 1953 Category:Philanthropic organizations based in the United States