About Bush foundation
Bush Foundation: Empowering Innovators and Problem Solvers in the Midwest
The Bush Foundation is a non-profit organization that has been empowering innovators and problem solvers in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations that share that geography since 1953. The foundation was established by Archibald G. Bush, former president of 3M Company, and his wife Edyth.
The mission of the Bush Foundation is to inspire and support creative problem solving – within and across sectors – to make our region better for everyone. They believe that great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. That's why they offer grants and opportunities to people who think bigger and differently about problem solving.
One of the key ways in which the Bush Foundation supports innovation is through their grant programs. They offer a variety of grants for individuals, organizations, communities, schools, tribes or government entities who are working on innovative solutions to complex problems facing our region.
For example:
- The Community Innovation Grants program provides funding for community-led projects that use inclusive engagement processes to address community issues.
- The Education Impact program supports educators who are working on innovative approaches to improve student achievement.
- The Native Nation Rebuilders program provides leadership training for members of Native nations who want to make a positive impact in their communities.
- The Ecosystem Grants program funds collaborative efforts between organizations working on systemic change initiatives.
In addition to these grant programs, the Bush Foundation also offers other opportunities for learning and networking. For example:
- The Leadership Network brings together leaders from across sectors (nonprofit, business & government) for peer learning & collaboration.
- The Fellowship Programs provide intensive leadership development experiences designed around specific topics such as community innovation or social entrepreneurship.
- Convenings bring together people with diverse perspectives around specific topics such as racial equity or rural vitality.
All of these programs are designed with one goal in mind: To help people develop new skills & connections so they can tackle complex problems more effectively.
Over the years, the Bush Foundation has supported countless innovative projects throughout our region. For example:
- In Minneapolis-St Paul area: A group called Appetite For Change used a Community Innovation Grant from the foundation to create an urban farm & kitchen where young people learn about healthy eating while developing job skills.
- In Fargo-Moorhead area: A team at North Dakota State University used an Education Impact Grant from the foundation to develop an app-based tool that helps teachers personalize instruction based on each student's unique needs.
- On Pine Ridge Reservation: A group called Thunder Valley CDC used an Ecosystem Grant from the foundation (along with other funders)to build a sustainable housing development using green building practices while creating jobs & training opportunities for local residents.
These are just a few examples among many others demonstrating how impactful this organization has been over time!
In conclusion,
The Bush Foundation is doing important work supporting innovators throughout Minnesota,North Dakota,South Dakota,and 23 native nations sharing this geography.Their grant programs,fellowship opportunities,and convenings have helped countless individuals&organizations tackle complex problems more effectively.They believe great ideas can come from anyone&anywhere,&they're committedto helping those ideas become reality.If you're lookingfor ways you can get involved with this amazing organization,you should definitely check out their website!
bushfoundation.org
