1. Community Innovation Grant Program 2017

2. What we will review: The organizational partnership
The Community Innovation grant program for North Dakota
The eligibility requirements
The application/proposal process and timeframes

3. About the Bush Foundation
The Bush Foundation invests in great ideas and the people who power them. We support individuals and organizations that think bigger and think differently about what is possible in communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geographical area.
The Foundation was established in 1953 by 3M executive Archibald Bush and his wife, Edyth.

4. About The Consensus Council
The Consensus Council mission is to assist citizens and leaders in reaching agreements on difficult issues of public policy. The Consensus Council was established in 1990 to assist the state in addressing significant challenges.

5. Partners!
In 2013, the Bush Foundation selected intermediary organizations to manage Community Innovation Grant programs in Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota.
Headwaters Foundation (MN)
South Dakota Community Foundation (SD)
The Consensus Council, Inc. (ND)

6. Community Innovation Grant Program
Intermediary organizations
Grants between $500 - $10,000
(Reopening September 2017)
Bush Foundation
Grants of $10,000 - $200,000
(Open application process)

7. Eligibility & Proposals
A non-profit organization;
A unit of government, including tribal governments; or
A group or organization with a fiscal sponsor organization that’s a non-profit.

8. What else you should know…..
In 2014, 20 grants were awarded in North Dakota for a total of $189,985.00
In 2015, 43 grants were awarded in North Dakota for a total of $400,000.00
In 2016, 37 grants were awarded in North Dakota for a total of $352,998.00
In 2017, the Bush Foundation has made $400,000 available for The Consensus Council to grant in North Dakota

9. What else you should know…..
Approximately 15 to 20 grants will be awarded for each of three grant cycles;
You may apply for both the “larger” Bush Foundation grant and the “smaller” intermediary organization grant, as long as the applications are for separate projects; and
No financial match is required.

10. Questions to Answer… What community problem will you address?
Who will be involved?
What process will you use?
Who will benefit?
How will you measure success?
How will you sustain the project?
Does the project actively address racial or economic disparities?

11. Of special note…..
At least 50% of Community Innovation grants will be for projects that address racial and/or economic disparities. For the purposes of this grant program, the Bush Foundation defines this as proposals that seek to actively reduce structural and/or systemic gaps in access, outcomes, opportunities or treatment based on race/ethnicity or economic standing.

12. Find Community Innovation Grants
How to Apply…
Go to
Find Community Innovation Grants
Complete application
Submit online

13. 2017 Grants Timeline Grant Cycle #1 Opens January 4, 2017
Closes on February 5, 2017
Grant Cycle #2
Opens May 1, 2017
Closes on June 5, 2017
Grant Cycle #3
Opens September 1, 2017
Closes on October 2, 2017

14. Reporting Processes
Grantees are encouraged to communicate freely and after with The Consensus Council throughout the life of their grant. A final narrative and budget report (based on a simplified format) will be required at the end of the grant’s term.

15. agree.org/CommunityInnovationGrants
Contact us for more support at:
All details for the grants will be on the Consensus Council website.
Call anytime – we are committed to helping you through the process.