2025 Bush Fellowship

The Bush Fellowship is not about funding a specific project but about fostering personal growth as a leader. Each year, up to 30 Bush Fellows receive up to $150,000 over two years. This support allows them to expand their capacity, knowledge, and networks to drive meaningful change. Fellows come from various sectors, including business, nonprofits, and government, and are united by a vision of creating radical, positive transformations in their communities.

Requirements

The Bush Fellowship is designed for those who:

• Have a vision for creating lasting change in their communities.
• Are well-connected to the people and issues they want to impact.
• Are ready to invest time and effort in their own leadership development.
• Can articulate how they would use the Fellowship funds and time to pursue their leadership goals.

Even though the application process is competitive (with over 600 applications in recent years), many applicants say the process itself helped them think deeply about their roles in driving change.

Benefits

The Bush Fellowship is highly flexible, allowing Fellows to use their funds in various ways, such as:

• Earning professional degrees or credentials.
• Attending conferences and building networks.
• Participating in leadership coaching or mentorship programs.
• Traveling for learning or cultural experiences that strengthen leadership capacity.

Fellows are encouraged to design a personalized Fellowship plan that meets their unique goals and helps them grow as effective leaders.