(For a printable version of these FAQs, please click here.)

Application General

When are the deadlines for applications?
Noon (Central), Friday, March 2, 2012        
Noon (Central), Friday, May 4, 2012
Noon (Central), Monday, July 9, 2012

What is the total amount I can apply for?
You can request funding from $25,000 to $75,000

How do I submit my application?
The Bush Fellowship application is only available online. Information on how to set up your online account is available here.

Can a team or group of individuals apply for a fellowship?
No, only an individual may apply for and be granted a Bush Fellowship

Can I use the fellowship to obtain an academic degree?
No, a Fellowship may not be used to enroll in, make progress toward or complete an academic degree.

Can I mail, fax or email my application?
No, the Bush Fellowship application is a web-based application and can only be submitted online.

When can I start my application?
You can start filling out the application once it is available on the website. As you answer questions, be sure to save your application (click "save and finish later" button). Do not click the "submit" button until you are sure you are finished with your application. Once submitted, your application will be accepted as is and you will not be able to reapply.

Application Preparation

May I discuss my fellowship plan with someone at the Foundation to see if it is a strong proposal?
No. Foundation staff will not review applications prior to their submissions nor answer questions on the feasibility of your application. Instead, we encourage you to ask your reference writers, mentors and professional colleagues to reviews drafts of your application and give you their feedback. You are welcome to call the Foundation if you need clarification on specific questions.

Does the Bush Foundation share copies of applications written by Bush Fellows?
No, for reasons of confidentiality, the Foundation does not share the applications of Bush Fellows.

Why is the reference deadline earlier than the application deadline?
The deadline for references for your application is approximately one week before your application deadline. This allows time for all references to be sorted and prepared to be matched with applications at the time of the application deadline.

How many references do I need?
Each applicant is required to have three references. If we receive more than three references then staff will choose at random the references used.  Applications submitted without any references will be deemed incomplete and denied.

How will I know if my references have all been submitted?
You are welcome to email us at bushfellows@bushfound.org to ask if your references have been received.

If I previously applied for a Bush Fellowship and was not selected, can I re-use the written references submitted previously?
No, written references cannot be re-used; however, you can ask the same people to serve as reference writers for you.

How should I choose my reference writers?
Please follow this link for more information.

What is the Bush Foundation looking for when selecting Bush Fellows?
The selection committee members are asked to work as a group to decide which applicants best meet the program’s selection criteria.

May I apply more than once in a calendar year for a Bush Fellowship?
No, you may submit only one application in a calendar year. When planning for your fellowship, carefully review the application deadlines and the corresponding start dates to select the one that will best fit the timeline of the work you wish to do.

What process is used to select Bush Fellows and who participates in it?
All applications are prescreened by staff to make sure that they meet eligibility requirements, are complete and meet the program’s guidelines. Applications that make it through the prescreen process are reviewed by a preliminary committee, which is responsible for selecting Bush Fellowship finalists.

Bush Fellowship finalists are interviewed by a final selection committee.  Once the interviews are complete, the final selection committee selects the Bush Fellows.  Both the preliminary and final selection committees base their decisions on the program’s selection criteria. 

Can I request selection committee comments or feedback after my application has been reviewed?
No, selection committee comments are not available to applicants.  

Can I cut and paste into the online application?
Yes, you can work on your application in a document on your computer, then cut and paste your responses into the application. Please note that formatting does not carry over when you cut and paste.

Application Submitted, Now What?

When will I know whether or not I’ve been granted a fellowship?
Applicants will be notified approximately two months after they submit their applications whether or not they are invited to become a finalist.  Finalists will be notified approximately two months later whether or not they’ve been granted a fellowship.  

Application Submission Troubleshooting

If I am having trouble submitting my application online, what do I do?

• Check your answers to see that they all meet the word limit requirement and also that you have answered all required questions. The application will not submit until those items are fixed.
• There is a word limit counter and spell checker for each question to assist you in completing your application.
• Do not wait until the last hour of the deadline day to submit your application. Allow yourself enough time to finish your application and make sure there are no errors that you need to correct.

How will I will I know if my application has been submitted?
You will receive an automatic email response once your application is submitted online.

If I forget to include part of my answer to an application question, can I email you additions to add to my application?
No, submitted applications will be reviewed as is.  No additional text will be added to your application once it is submitted.