SOURIS – Strengthen ND, in partnership with the Bush Foundation, has announced applications for the 2026 Bush Prize: North Dakota will open on April 1 and remain open until April 30.

The Bush Prize 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. Funds must be used for charitable purposes benefiting North Dakota communities.

“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, which administers the North Dakota program in collaboration with the Bush Foundation.

Organizations eligible for the Bush Prize must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government entities, or fiscally sponsored projects in North Dakota or one of the five tribal nations in the state. They must be able to demonstrate a track record of successful, creative community problem-solving over at least three to five years

Applications must be submitted online on Strengthen ND’s website. 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 at noon to learn more about the process. Questions also can be directed to Langley at megan@strengthennd.com or 303-0840.

Internal review will occur from June-August 2026, with public announcement of honorees in October.