{"id":62586,"date":"2025-09-15T12:19:50","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T12:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=62586"},"modified":"2025-09-15T12:19:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T12:19:50","slug":"bush-fellowship-2026-a-transformative-leadership-program-supporting-bold-changemakers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=62586","title":{"rendered":"Bush Fellowship 2026: A Transformative Leadership Program Supporting Bold Changemakers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"318\" data-end=\"731\">The <strong data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"341\">Bush Fellowship<\/strong> 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 <strong data-start=\"517\" data-end=\"555\">$150,000 in funding over two years<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"875\">Applications for the <strong data-start=\"754\" data-end=\"778\">2026 Bush Fellowship<\/strong> open on <strong data-start=\"787\" data-end=\"817\">Tuesday, September 2, 2025<\/strong>, and close on <strong data-start=\"832\" data-end=\"872\">Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at noon CT<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"877\" data-end=\"880\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"912\">About the Bush Fellowship<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"914\" data-end=\"1058\">The Bush Fellowship is not a traditional project-based or business-funding grant. Instead, it is designed to support leaders who are ready to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1060\" data-end=\"1301\">\n<li data-start=\"1060\" data-end=\"1123\">\n<p data-start=\"1062\" data-end=\"1123\"><strong data-start=\"1062\" data-end=\"1086\">Invest in themselves<\/strong> to grow their leadership capacity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1198\">\n<p data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1198\"><strong data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1139\">Dream big<\/strong> about how they can create equitable, large-scale change.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1199\" data-end=\"1301\">\n<p data-start=\"1201\" data-end=\"1301\"><strong data-start=\"1201\" data-end=\"1225\">Develop a clear plan<\/strong> for how to use the Fellowship\u2019s time and resources for leadership growth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1303\" data-end=\"1432\">Up to <strong data-start=\"1309\" data-end=\"1328\">30 Bush Fellows<\/strong> are selected each year from across sectors, including business, nonprofit, education, and government.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1434\" data-end=\"1437\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1474\">What the Bush Fellowship Funds<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1476\" data-end=\"1596\">The Fellowship is intended to help individuals build their leadership capacity in bold and creative ways. It supports:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1598\" data-end=\"1969\">\n<li data-start=\"1598\" data-end=\"1709\">\n<p data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1709\"><strong data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1647\">Learning from other leaders and communities<\/strong> who have developed innovative solutions to shared problems.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1710\" data-end=\"1853\">\n<p data-start=\"1712\" data-end=\"1853\"><strong data-start=\"1712\" data-end=\"1743\">Pursuing advanced education<\/strong> such as a master\u2019s or doctorate degree to strengthen visibility, credibility, and impact in a chosen field.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1854\" data-end=\"1969\">\n<p data-start=\"1856\" data-end=\"1969\"><strong data-start=\"1856\" data-end=\"1896\">Taking time away from existing roles<\/strong> to focus on visionary leadership goals that can transform communities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"1971\" data-end=\"1993\">Key Restrictions<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1995\" data-end=\"2175\">\n<li data-start=\"1995\" data-end=\"2055\">\n<p data-start=\"1997\" data-end=\"2055\">Funds cannot be used to fund a business or organization.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2056\" data-end=\"2097\">\n<p data-start=\"2058\" data-end=\"2097\">Funds cannot be used to pay off debt.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2098\" data-end=\"2175\">\n<p data-start=\"2100\" data-end=\"2175\">No portion of the Fellowship may be directed to another person or entity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2177\" data-end=\"2311\">For government and elected officials, additional IRS regulations apply, such as limiting Fellowship use to degree-granting programs.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2313\" data-end=\"2316\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2318\" data-end=\"2355\">What Bush Fellows Have in Common<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2357\" data-end=\"2376\">Bush Fellows are:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2664\">\n<li data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2444\">\n<p data-start=\"2380\" data-end=\"2444\">Leaders with a <strong data-start=\"2395\" data-end=\"2421\">track record of impact<\/strong> who get things done.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2445\" data-end=\"2515\">\n<p data-start=\"2447\" data-end=\"2515\">Visionaries with bold ideas for <strong data-start=\"2479\" data-end=\"2512\">equitable, large-scale change<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2516\" data-end=\"2593\">\n<p data-start=\"2518\" data-end=\"2593\">Changemakers who understand how they are <strong data-start=\"2559\" data-end=\"2590\">uniquely positioned to lead<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2594\" data-end=\"2664\">\n<p data-start=\"2596\" data-end=\"2664\">Individuals with a <strong data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2629\">clear plan<\/strong> for their own leadership growth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2897\">Many Fellows initially struggle with the idea of investing in themselves rather than directly in their communities, but the program demonstrates how strengthening one\u2019s leadership capacity ultimately strengthens community impact.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2899\" data-end=\"2902\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2904\" data-end=\"2947\">Key Dates for the 2026 Bush Fellowship<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"2949\" data-end=\"3335\">\n<li data-start=\"2949\" data-end=\"3017\">\n<p data-start=\"2951\" data-end=\"3017\"><strong data-start=\"2951\" data-end=\"2973\">Applications Open:<\/strong> Tuesday, September 2, 2025 (8:00 a.m. CT)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3080\">\n<p data-start=\"3020\" data-end=\"3080\"><strong data-start=\"3020\" data-end=\"3043\">Applications Close:<\/strong> Tuesday, October 7, 2025 (noon CT)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3131\">\n<p data-start=\"3083\" data-end=\"3131\"><strong data-start=\"3083\" data-end=\"3110\">Semifinalists Notified:<\/strong> December 2\u20137, 2025<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3132\" data-end=\"3177\">\n<p data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3177\"><strong data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3157\">Finalists Notified:<\/strong> March 11\u201316, 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3178\" data-end=\"3245\">\n<p data-start=\"3180\" data-end=\"3245\"><strong data-start=\"3180\" data-end=\"3204\">Finalist Interviews:<\/strong> April 16, April 20, and April 23, 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3246\" data-end=\"3335\">\n<p data-start=\"3248\" data-end=\"3335\"><strong data-start=\"3248\" data-end=\"3284\">Fellowship Recipients Announced:<\/strong> Following finalist selection and kickoff retreat<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"3337\" data-end=\"3360\">Live Q&amp;A Sessions<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"3362\" data-end=\"3463\">\n<li data-start=\"3362\" data-end=\"3412\">\n<p data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3412\"><strong data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3410\">Thursday, September 4, 2025 (9\u201310 a.m. CT)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3413\" data-end=\"3463\">\n<p data-start=\"3415\" data-end=\"3463\"><strong data-start=\"3415\" data-end=\"3461\">Tuesday, September 16, 2025 (12\u20131 p.m. CT)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3465\" data-end=\"3566\">Applicants can register for Q&amp;A sessions or schedule calls with program staff to clarify questions.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3568\" data-end=\"3571\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3573\" data-end=\"3597\">Application Process<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3599\" data-end=\"3742\">The Bush Fellowship is a highly competitive opportunity, with over <strong data-start=\"3666\" data-end=\"3688\">1,000 applications<\/strong> received in 2025. The application process includes:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"3744\" data-end=\"4292\">\n<li data-start=\"3744\" data-end=\"3835\">\n<p data-start=\"3747\" data-end=\"3835\"><strong data-start=\"3747\" data-end=\"3780\">Written Application Responses<\/strong> \u2013 All applicants must complete the application form.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3836\" data-end=\"3944\">\n<p data-start=\"3839\" data-end=\"3944\"><strong data-start=\"3839\" data-end=\"3865\">Semifinalist Selection<\/strong> \u2013 Approximately 75 semifinalists are chosen by Bush Fellow alumni reviewers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3945\" data-end=\"4026\">\n<p data-start=\"3948\" data-end=\"4026\"><strong data-start=\"3948\" data-end=\"3968\">Reference Checks<\/strong> \u2013 Conducted by Bush staff to select up to 48 finalists.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4027\" data-end=\"4108\">\n<p data-start=\"4030\" data-end=\"4108\"><strong data-start=\"4030\" data-end=\"4053\">Finalist Interviews<\/strong> \u2013 Panels of community reviewers interview finalists.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4109\" data-end=\"4194\">\n<p data-start=\"4112\" data-end=\"4194\"><strong data-start=\"4112\" data-end=\"4131\">Final Selection<\/strong> \u2013 Community reviewers choose the next class of Bush Fellows.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4195\" data-end=\"4292\">\n<p data-start=\"4198\" data-end=\"4292\"><strong data-start=\"4198\" data-end=\"4233\">Celebration and Kickoff Retreat<\/strong> \u2013 The new Fellows are announced and begin their journey.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr data-start=\"4294\" data-end=\"4297\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4299\" data-end=\"4340\">Developing Your Bush Fellowship Plan<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4342\" data-end=\"4498\">Applicants are encouraged to <strong data-start=\"4371\" data-end=\"4386\">\u201cthink big\u201d<\/strong> about how the Fellowship could transform their leadership journey. Some examples of Fellowship plans include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4500\" data-end=\"4773\">\n<li data-start=\"4500\" data-end=\"4594\">\n<p data-start=\"4502\" data-end=\"4594\">Learning from leaders in other communities or sectors to bring innovative ideas back home.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4595\" data-end=\"4677\">\n<p data-start=\"4597\" data-end=\"4677\">Expanding knowledge in a specific field by pursuing advanced academic degrees.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4678\" data-end=\"4773\">\n<p data-start=\"4680\" data-end=\"4773\">Taking time away from demanding work roles to activate a bold, long-term vision for change.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4775\" data-end=\"4956\">The core requirement is a <strong data-start=\"4801\" data-end=\"4850\">clear, actionable leadership development plan<\/strong> that demonstrates how the Fellowship resources will be used to expand capacity, visibility, and impact.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4958\" data-end=\"4961\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4963\" data-end=\"4992\">Resources for Applicants<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"4994\" data-end=\"5361\">\n<li data-start=\"4994\" data-end=\"5115\">\n<p data-start=\"4996\" data-end=\"5115\"><strong data-start=\"4996\" data-end=\"5027\">Leadership Reflection Guide<\/strong> \u2013 Tools to help applicants reflect on their leadership journey and vision for change.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5116\" data-end=\"5204\">\n<p data-start=\"5118\" data-end=\"5204\"><strong data-start=\"5118\" data-end=\"5130\">Webinars<\/strong> \u2013 Covering program overviews, application tips, and selection criteria.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5205\" data-end=\"5361\">\n<p data-start=\"5207\" data-end=\"5361\"><strong data-start=\"5207\" data-end=\"5227\">Partner Programs<\/strong> \u2013 For those whose goals may not align with the Bush Fellowship, the Foundation also supports other leadership development programs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"5363\" data-end=\"5366\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5368\" data-end=\"5398\">Additional Considerations<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"5400\" data-end=\"5869\">\n<li data-start=\"5400\" data-end=\"5555\">\n<p data-start=\"5402\" data-end=\"5555\"><strong data-start=\"5402\" data-end=\"5435\">Not a fit for project funding<\/strong> \u2013 If your primary goal is to launch, expand, or fund a project, the Bush Fellowship is not designed for that purpose.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5556\" data-end=\"5697\">\n<p data-start=\"5558\" data-end=\"5697\"><strong data-start=\"5558\" data-end=\"5587\">Not a fit for sabbaticals<\/strong> \u2013 While health and wellness are critical, the Fellowship is not meant for sabbatical or rest-focused plans.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5698\" data-end=\"5869\">\n<p data-start=\"5700\" data-end=\"5869\"><strong data-start=\"5700\" data-end=\"5733\">Other opportunities available<\/strong> \u2013 Applicants who find the Fellowship not aligned with their goals are encouraged to explore other Bush-supported leadership programs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"5871\" data-end=\"5874\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5876\" data-end=\"5928\">About the Bush Foundation and Fellowship Legacy<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5930\" data-end=\"6252\">The Bush Foundation has invested in <strong data-start=\"5966\" data-end=\"6004\">over 2,000 Fellows since the 1960s<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6254\" data-end=\"6257\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"6259\" data-end=\"6274\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6276\" data-end=\"6612\">The <strong data-start=\"6280\" data-end=\"6304\">Bush Fellowship 2026<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6614\" data-end=\"6816\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6818\" data-end=\"6974\">For full details, eligibility information, and application resources, visit the <a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"6898\" data-end=\"6971\">Bush Fellowship Program page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6818\" data-end=\"6974\"><b>For more Information and Applications:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/P2icVtukTqS1hQ7o7KsucA#\/registration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stay on <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">opportunitiesconnect.com\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for more opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":62588,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[44,32,25,38],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-62586","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-awards","8":"category-courses","9":"category-education","10":"category-fellowship","11":"article","12":"","14":"has-excerpt","15":"has-avatar","16":"has-author","17":"has-nickname","18":"has-date","19":"has-comment-count","20":"has-category-meta","21":"has-read-more","22":"has-title","23":"has-post-media","24":"thumbnail-","25":"has-tfm-share-icons"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=62586"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62586\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/62588"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=62586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=62586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=62586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}