SOURIS, N.D. – Strengthen ND, in partnership with the Bush Foundation, is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 Bush Prize: North Dakota will open on April 1, 2026, and remain open until April 30, 2026. The Bush Prize celebrates and invests in extraordinary North Dakota organizations that demonstrate creative community problem-solving and transformational change. Each year, two organizations are selected as honorees, receiving a flexible, unrestricted award of $250,000 to further their impact and innovation.
“In every corner of North Dakota, there are people quietly building extraordinary solutions to hard problems. The Bush Prize: North Dakota exists to recognize that leadership and invest in the ideas already transforming our communities,” said Megan Langley, Executive Director of Strengthen ND.
Eligibility & Application Details AND Organizations eligible for the Bush Prize must be:
● 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government entities, or fiscally sponsored
projects
● Located in North Dakota or one of the five Native Nations that share its
geography
● Able to demonstrate a track record of successful, creative community
problem-solving over at least three to five years
Applications must be submitted online through StrengthenND.com. Due to the
competitive nature of the award, individualized technical assistance regarding proposal
content will not be provided. However, applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual
informational session on March 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM CST to learn more about the process.
Key Dates
● March 26, 2026 – Virtual informational session for potential applicants
● April 1, 2026 – Application period opens
● April 30, 2026 – Application deadline (11:59 PM CST)
● June – August 2026 – Internal review, selection, and notification
● October 2026 – Public announcement of honorees
The Bush Prize provides organizations with flexible funding to sustain and expand their impact, test new ideas, or strengthen their long-term financial health. Funds must be used for charitable purposes benefiting North Dakota communities.
For full details and to submit an application, visit StrengthenND.com. For questions, please contact megan@strengthennd.com or call 701-303-0840.
The Bush Prize: North Dakota is administered by Strengthen ND in collaboration with the Bush Foundation. The Prize is awarded annually in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, including the 23 Native Nations that share this geography. Strengthen ND works to support and empower rural and Native communities across North Dakota.