The funder's mission focuses on addressing important community needs in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations within that geography. The mission is achieved by partnering with public and philanthropic organizations to increase innovation, leverage significant partnerships, and quickly respond to emergency situations, thereby attracting additional resources to the region.
The Bush Prize celebrates organizations with a stellar reputation in their communities for innovative and successful problem solving. It supports these organizations by providing flexible funding that can be used for various purposes such as building reserves, experimenting with new ideas, or any other activities that contribute to their ongoing positive impact. The grant amount can reach up to 25% of the organization's most recent fiscal year expenses, with a ceiling of $500,000. The selection process for the Bush Prize winners is grounded in criteria focusing on innovative solutions to community needs that are more effective, equitable, or sustainable than current approaches. Furthermore, it evaluates whether the organization utilizes inclusive, collaborative, and resourceful processes to achieve its goals and whether its leadership promotes a culture of innovation. This includes meaningful engagement with stakeholders, collaborative efforts with partners, and the creative use of existing resources to maximize community benefits. The prize aims at recognizing and empowering organizations that embody these principles, making them models that can inspire or inform others.