2027 Bush Fellowship: Apply for Up to $150,000 to Transform Your Leadership Journey
The 2027 Bush Fellowship provides selected leaders with up to $150,000 and up to two years to pursue a self-designed leadership development plan. Offered by the Bush Foundation, the program supports individuals ready to create meaningful, equitable, and large-scale change.
Overview
The 2027 Bush Fellowship is a self-designed leadership development opportunity offered by the Bush Foundation. It gives selected Fellows the time and financial resources to pursue a personalized plan for becoming a stronger and more effective leader. Rather than funding conventional projects, businesses, or programs, the Fellowship focuses directly on investing in the individual leader.
For the 2027 cohort, up to 30 Bush Fellows will be selected. Each Fellow is eligible to receive up to $150,000 to support their individual Fellowship plan over a period of up to two years.
Eligibility
The program welcomes leaders working across multiple sectors, including business, government, and nonprofit organizations. The Bush Foundation seeks applicants who meet the following profile:
- Leaders with a demonstrated track record of impact and a history of solving problems.
- Individuals with a significant vision for equitable and large-scale change.
- Applicants who understand what they need to develop in order to become more effective leaders and can build a clear Fellowship plan.
- People of outstanding character who are open to learning from and with others.
Government and elected officials are subject to additional IRS restrictions and may only use a Fellowship in a degree-granting program.
Benefits
- Up to $150,000 in individual Fellowship support.
- Up to two years to implement a self-designed leadership development plan.
- Selection of up to 30 Bush Fellows annually.
- Participation in a mandatory Bush Fellowship retreat from May 19–21, 2027.
- Connection to a wider community of Bush Fellows and regional leaders.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should thoroughly review the Bush Foundation’s guidelines, criteria, and application questions prior to submission. Applicants are permitted to use AI tools for simplifying writing and removing jargon, but must remain the primary authors and editors of their ideas and plans.
To submit an application, use the online portal linked below.
Deadline
Applications close on October 6, 2026, at noon Central Time (CT).