What We're Learning

We are a learning organization and work to be smarter and more effective every year. We never lose sight of the reason we exist: to do the most possible good with the resources left to the community by Archibald G. Bush. Here we share the lessons we learn through our efforts, as well as the insights of our grantees and Fellows.

Papers & Reports

Investing in Native Communities

“What we found when we actually dug into our data is that the numbers don’t always reflect reality, and it’s not necessarily intentional,” — Carly Bad Heart Bull, Native nations activities manager.

Papers & Reports

Building an Inclusive Culture

Changing organizational culture takes intention and time. At the Bush Foundation, we’ve spent the last five years creating a more inclusive culture internally so that we can be more effective externally.

Bush Prize Case Study

Native American Community Development Institute

The Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) spent three years asking Native people what they wanted for their future, as opposed to what they needed to meet their basic needs. The gatherings resulted in a rich and bold vision for a vibrant, resilient community that celebrates Native identity.

Bush Prize Case Study

Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation

Bush Prize Case Study

Cannon River Watershed Partnership

The Cannon River Watershed Partnership (CRWP) working with The Southeast Minnesota Wastewater Initiative (SMWI), has prevented 94 million gallons of untreated sewage from entering the state’s rivers and streams over the past decade. The SMWI project is a partnership between CRWP, the Southeast Minnesota Water Resources Board, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Papers & Reports

Lessons from the Process of Creating the Native Governance Center

This report documents the development of the Native Governance Center, beginning with the Bush Foundation’s work supporting the self-determination of Native nations, through the emergence of a fully independent, Native-led 501(c)(3) organization in 2015.