About Bush Foundation Fellowship Programs (Fully Funded) , Check out and Apply.

The Bush Foundation Fellowship Programs are designed to support and develop leaders in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography. The foundation seeks to provide fellows with the resources they need to pursue personal and professional growth, with the aim of strengthening their leadership skills and contributing to positive change in their communities.

Types of Fellowships:

1. Bush Fellowship: This is the flagship program that provides individuals with up to $100,000 over 12 to 24 months to pursue education, experiences, and training to become more effective leaders.

   

2. Bush Prize for Community Innovation: This prize recognizes organizations that are exceptional in community problem-solving and innovation.

 Eligibility:

- The applicant must be 24 years or older at the time of applying.

- They must live in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or one of the 23 Native nations.

- Individuals must have at least five years of leadership experience.

- They must have the desire and vision to pursue bold ideas to positively impact their communities.

 Application Process:

1. Initial Application: The application opens once a year, usually in September, with a deadline in October. Applicants submit an initial application through the Bush Foundation’s online portal, detailing their leadership experiences and ideas for growth and change. 

2. Selection Criteria: Applications are reviewed based on:

   - Vision: The clarity and impact of the vision the applicant is pursuing.

   - Leadership Track Record: Evidence of leadership ability and experience.

   - Fellowship Plan: The potential of the proposed activities to help the applicant grow as a leader.

   

3. Semi-Finalists: From the initial pool, semi-finalists are selected and asked to provide more detailed information, including references and a more developed plan for the fellowship.

4. Interviews: Semi-finalists are invited for interviews with the selection committee.

5. Final Selection: After the interviews, the final fellows are selected.

 How to Apply:

- Visit the Bush Foundation website.

- Register and create an account through the online application portal.

- Prepare the application, which involves essays, personal information, and leadership experience details.

- Submit the initial application before the deadline.

  

Support Provided to Fellows:

- Financial support of up to $100,000 over 12-24 months.

- Mentorship, coaching, and connections to other leaders and resources.

For more details, you can visit the official Bush Foundation website and review their guidelines for each program.

The Bush Fellowship Application can be accessed through the Bush Foundation’s official website: (Bush Foundation Fellowship Application ).

How to Apply on the Website:

1. Create an Account: 

   - Visit the Bush Fellowship section on the website and create an account through the application portal. 

   - You can also subscribe to email updates to get notifications about the fellowship application deadlines.

2. Complete the Application:

   - Personal Information: Enter your basic details such as name, contact information, and eligibility details (residence, leadership experience, etc.).

   - Essays: Prepare essays explaining your leadership experiences, vision, and plans for personal and professional development. These essays are crucial in showcasing how the fellowship will help you grow and contribute to your community.

   - Fellowship Plan: Develop a fellowship plan that outlines the activities, training, education, or other experiences you would like to pursue during the fellowship period. This should be aligned with your leadership vision.

   

3. Submit Your Application: Ensure that all required sections are completed and submit the application before the deadline. Deadlines typically fall in October each year.

 Tips for Success in Getting the Fellowship:

1. Articulate a Clear Vision: Your vision for personal and community impact should be compelling and well-thought-out. The Bush Foundation is looking for leaders who want to create lasting change, so your vision should be ambitious but achievable.

2. Demonstrate Leadership Experience: The selection committee will look for evidence that you have a track record of leadership. Highlight examples of past leadership roles where you’ve made an impact, whether in professional settings, community organizations, or personal initiatives.

3. Develop a Thoughtful Fellowship Plan: Your fellowship plan should be realistic, specific, and clearly connected to your vision. Outline the steps you’ll take to grow as a leader, whether through education, training, mentorship, or other experiences. Be clear on how the activities will support your leadership goals.

4. Showcase Your Commitment to Your Community: The Bush Fellowship places significant emphasis on how your leadership can benefit your community. Highlight the work you’ve done in your community and how you plan to use the fellowship to further contribute to its growth.

5. Engage with Mentors or Past Fellows: If possible, connect with past Bush Fellows or community leaders who can offer guidance on the application process. Their insights can help you strengthen your application.

6. Prepare for the Interview: If selected as a semi-finalist, you will be invited for an interview. Be prepared to speak confidently about your leadership experiences, vision, and fellowship plan.

7. Seek Feedback: Before submitting your application, ask trusted colleagues, mentors, or community members to review your application materials. Constructive feedback can help you refine your ideas and make your application stronger.

By following these tips and dedicating time to crafting a well-rounded application, you increase your chances of success in securing the Bush Fellowship.