Bush Foundation Fellowship supports individual leaders to invest in themselves through a self-designed leadership program that gives recipients time and resources to grow their capacity to lead. The Bush Fellowship awards up to $150,000 and funds plans that help Fellows think bigger and differently about their leadership journey.
The Bush Foundation administers the Bush Fellowship program and selects up to 30 Fellows each year. The Foundation welcomes leaders from any sector and provides cohorts, retreats, and resources to support Fellows as they put their Fellowship plans into action.
Bush Foundation Fellowship Benefits
- Up to 30 Bush Fellows are selected each year to receive up to $150,000 to support their self-designed leadership plan.
- Fellowships are for up to 2 years.
- Professional learning and executive education
- Travel and immersive learning experiences
- Leadership coaching and mentorship
- Time away from work to focus on personal development
- Customized experiences aligned with the fellow’s leadership goals
Bush Foundation Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- We’re looking for people who have a track record of impact.
- We’re looking for people who have a vision for the change they want to make happen.
- We’re looking for people who have a plan for their own development.
- We welcome leaders from any sector — including business, government and nonprofit.
- There are specific limits and rules for government and elected officials under IRS regulations.
How to Apply for Bush Foundation Fellowship?
- Thoroughly review the materials on this webpage, including the application process, criteria and application questions.
- Prepare your application: clearly convey your unique perspectives, context and experiences.
- Applications opened Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. CT and close Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at noon CT.
- Semifinalists and finalists will be notified according to the published timeline; finalist interviews occur April 15, 19 and 22, 2027.
- Apply via the official application form (see application link).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Bush Foundation Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, selection process, and how to apply for the Fellowship.
What is the Bush Foundation Fellowship?
The Bush Foundation Fellowship is a self-designed leadership program that gives individuals flexibility to develop their capacity to lead. It provides selected Fellows with time and resources to put a Fellowship plan into action and supports ambitious, development-focused leadership plans.
How much funding does the Fellowship provide?
Up to 30 Bush Fellows are selected each year to receive up to $150,000 to support their self-designed leadership plan. Fellowships can be used over a period of up to two years, subject to program limits on allowable uses.
Who can apply for the Bush Foundation Fellowship?
The program welcomes leaders from any sector, including business, government, and nonprofit. Applicants should have a track record of impact, a vision for equitable, large-scale change, and a clear plan for their own development.
When is the application deadline?
Applications for the 2027 Bush Fellowship opened September 22, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. CT and close October 6, 2026, at noon CT. Be sure to review the application materials and submit by the posted deadline.
What is the selection process?
Bush staff, board members, past Fellows, and community leaders review applications. Alumni choose roughly 90 semifinalists, references and background checks are done for finalists, and finalists interview with panels of community reviewers before the final class is chosen.
Are there restrictions on how funds can be used?
Yes. Funds cannot be directed to another person or organization, used to fund a business or program, used to pay off debt, or used for lobbying, political contributions, or campaign-related expenses. Additional IRS-related limits apply for government and elected officials.
What support does the Bush Foundation provide besides funding?
Beyond funding, the program involves cohort experiences including a retreat, public announcement of Fellows, and access to resources and commitments developed with input from grantees and Fellows to support a strong experience.
Can federal employees and elected officials apply?
Government and elected officials may apply but are subject to specific limits per IRS regulations. For example, Fellows in certain government roles may only use a Fellowship in a degree-granting program; the Foundation provides guidance on self-dealing rules.
What should I include in my application?
Your written application should clearly convey your unique perspectives, context, experiences, and a clear Fellowship plan that explains how the time and resources will grow your capacity to lead. Writing clarity is important; you may use tools to simplify but you must be the main author.
Where do I apply and where can I find more information?
Apply via the official application form linked on the program page. Review all materials on the Bush Foundation website, including the application questions, criteria, FAQs, webinars, and the leadership reflection guide to prepare a strong application.
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