Bush Fellowship 2026: A Transformative Leadership Program Supporting Bold Changemakers

The Bush Fellowship is a prestigious, self-designed leadership program that empowers individuals to invest in themselves in order to become stronger, more effective leaders of change. With up to $150,000 in funding over two years, Bush Fellows have the opportunity to grow their leadership capacity, expand their vision for equitable change, and strengthen their impact on communities across the region.

Applications for the 2026 Bush Fellowship open on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and close on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at noon CT.

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About the Bush Fellowship

The Bush Fellowship is not a traditional project-based or business-funding grant. Instead, it is designed to support leaders who are ready to:

• Invest in themselves to grow their leadership capacity.

• Dream big about how they can create equitable, large-scale change.

• Develop a clear plan for how to use the Fellowship’s time and resources for leadership growth.

Up to 30 Bush Fellows are selected each year from across sectors, including business, nonprofit, education, and government.

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What the Bush Fellowship Funds

The Fellowship is intended to help individuals build their leadership capacity in bold and creative ways. It supports:

• Learning from other leaders and communities who have developed innovative solutions to shared problems.

• Pursuing advanced education such as a master’s or doctorate degree to strengthen visibility, credibility, and impact in a chosen field.

• Taking time away from existing roles to focus on visionary leadership goals that can transform communities.

Key Restrictions

• Funds cannot be used to fund a business or organization.

• Funds cannot be used to pay off debt.

• No portion of the Fellowship may be directed to another person or entity.

For government and elected officials, additional IRS regulations apply, such as limiting Fellowship use to degree-granting programs.

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What Bush Fellows Have in Common

Bush Fellows are:

• Leaders with a track record of impact who get things done.

• Visionaries with bold ideas for equitable, large-scale change.

• Changemakers who understand how they are uniquely positioned to lead.

• Individuals with a clear plan for their own leadership growth.

Many Fellows initially struggle with the idea of investing in themselves rather than directly in their communities, but the program demonstrates how strengthening one’s leadership capacity ultimately strengthens community impact.

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Key Dates for the 2026 Bush Fellowship

• Applications Open: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 (8:00 a.m. CT)

• Applications Close: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 (noon CT)

• Semifinalists Notified: December 2–7, 2025

• Finalists Notified: March 11–16, 2026

• Finalist Interviews: April 16, April 20, and April 23, 2026

• Fellowship Recipients Announced: Following finalist selection and kickoff retreat

Live Q&A Sessions

• Thursday, September 4, 2025 (9–10 a.m. CT)

• Tuesday, September 16, 2025 (12–1 p.m. CT)

Applicants can register for Q&A sessions or schedule calls with program staff to clarify questions.

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Application Process

The Bush Fellowship is a highly competitive opportunity, with over 1,000 applications received in 2025. The application process includes:

1. Written Application Responses – All applicants must complete the application form.

2. Semifinalist Selection – Approximately 75 semifinalists are chosen by Bush Fellow alumni reviewers.

3. Reference Checks – Conducted by Bush staff to select up to 48 finalists.

4. Finalist Interviews – Panels of community reviewers interview finalists.

5. Final Selection – Community reviewers choose the next class of Bush Fellows.

6. Celebration and Kickoff Retreat – The new Fellows are announced and begin their journey.

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Developing Your Bush Fellowship Plan

Applicants are encouraged to “think big” about how the Fellowship could transform their leadership journey. Some examples of Fellowship plans include:

• Learning from leaders in other communities or sectors to bring innovative ideas back home.

• Expanding knowledge in a specific field by pursuing advanced academic degrees.

• Taking time away from demanding work roles to activate a bold, long-term vision for change.

The core requirement is a clear, actionable leadership development plan that demonstrates how the Fellowship resources will be used to expand capacity, visibility, and impact.

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Resources for Applicants

• Leadership Reflection Guide – Tools to help applicants reflect on their leadership journey and vision for change.

• Webinars – Covering program overviews, application tips, and selection criteria.

• Partner Programs – For those whose goals may not align with the Bush Fellowship, the Foundation also supports other leadership development programs.

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Additional Considerations

• Not a fit for project funding – If your primary goal is to launch, expand, or fund a project, the Bush Fellowship is not designed for that purpose.

• Not a fit for sabbaticals – While health and wellness are critical, the Fellowship is not meant for sabbatical or rest-focused plans.

• Other opportunities available – Applicants who find the Fellowship not aligned with their goals are encouraged to explore other Bush-supported leadership programs.

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About the Bush Foundation and Fellowship Legacy

The Bush Foundation has invested in over 2,000 Fellows since the 1960s, supporting leaders who drive transformative change across sectors and communities. The Fellowship continues to be one of the most impactful and competitive leadership programs in the region, shaping leaders who create lasting, equitable change.

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Conclusion

The Bush Fellowship 2026 offers leaders a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and invest in themselves to unlock greater capacity for change. With substantial financial support, personalized leadership development, and a community of changemakers, the Fellowship remains one of the most influential programs for visionary leaders.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review eligibility criteria, attend information sessions, and prepare a bold, clear leadership plan that reflects their vision for large-scale, equitable change.

For full details, eligibility information, and application resources, visit the Bush Fellowship Program page.

For more Information and Applications:

Visit HERE

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