The George And Barbara Bush Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 76-0345781
• Assets: $131.2 million (2023)
• Annual Giving: $2.3 million (2023)
• Grant Range: $750 - $2,165,082
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Texas (Brazos Valley region) with select national family literacy grants
• Application Method: Mixed - varies by program (student-led review, invitation only, rolling basis)

Contact Details

Main Office: George & Barbara Bush Foundation P.O. Box 14141 College Station, TX 77841-4141

Phone: (979) 862-2251 Email: bush.foundation@bush41.org Website: https://georgeandbarbarabush.org

Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy: bush.fund@bush41.org

Field Offices: Houston and Washington, D.C.

Social Media: @bushfdn (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook), LinkedIn: George & Barbara Bush Foundation

Overview

The George & Barbara Bush Foundation was established to promote and preserve the legacies of President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, with a focus on selfless service and traditional American values. Headquartered in College Station, Texas, at Texas A&M University, the Foundation has assets of $131.2 million and distributed $2.3 million in grants in 2023. The Foundation primarily supports education and service-oriented programs at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum and The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. In November 2025, the Foundation launched the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy, marking a significant expansion into national grantmaking after the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy (a separate organization that invested over $110 million in literacy programs over three decades) transitioned its work. Under CEO Alice Gonzalez Yates, appointed in recent years, the Foundation is expanding its impact while honoring President and Mrs. Bush's commitment to public service, education, and literacy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy (Launched November 2025)

• Grant amounts not yet specified; initial grants in 2025 were $10,000 each
• First round of structured grants expected in 2026
• National scope - supports comprehensive family literacy programs
• Focus on funding well-respected national and community-based organizations
• Three inaugural recipients (November 2025): First Teachers Family Literacy Program (Biddeford, Maine), Briya Public Charter School (Washington, D.C.), and Achieve Plant City (Plant City, Florida)
• Application process to be announced

George H.W. Bush Foundation Community Grant Program

• Administered through Mays Business School Strategic Philanthropy Course at Texas A&M
• Grants for local Brazos Valley community organizations
• Student-led application review and decision-making
• Program has distributed nearly $500,000 to local nonprofits since 2016
• Recent semesters have awarded $50,000-$108,500
• Contact: Kyle Gammenthaler, kyleg@tamu.edu
• Details at: mays.tamu.edu/strategic-philanthropy

Travel Grants for Texas A&M Students

• Up to $750 per undergraduate student
• Supports academic conference travel, research projects, internships, and study abroad
• Announcements made each fall by colleges
• Contact: Jacob Miller, jacobmiller@tamu.edu

Research Grants

• Peter and Edith O'Donnell Endowment Grant Program: $500-$2,500 for scholars conducting research at the George Bush Presidential Library
• Supports historical and policy research related to President Bush's administration

Scholarships

• USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Scholarship: Two $2,500 scholarships annually (one undergraduate, one graduate) for crew members or their families who served on CVN 77 within last 24 months; minimum 3.0 GPA required; deadline May 16
• George H.W. Bush High School Public Service Scholarship: $2,500 to student plus $1,000 to their school; for Bryan-College Station area high school seniors with 3.5+ GPA; deadline March 27; sponsored by Bryan Texas Utilities

Priority Areas

• Education: Support for Texas A&M programs, student scholarships, and educational travel
• Family Literacy: National grantmaking through the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy, focusing on comprehensive programs that help parents and children learn together
• Public Service: Recognition and support of individuals and programs exemplifying public service values
• Presidential Legacy: Programs at the Bush Presidential Library & Museum that inform the public about U.S. history, diplomacy, and domestic policy
• Community Service: Local Brazos Valley nonprofit support through student-led grant program

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the Foundation's focus suggests exclusions of:

• Organizations outside Texas (except for family literacy programs)
• Projects unrelated to education, literacy, or public service
• For the Community Grant Program: Must be 501(c)(3) organizations in Brazos Valley or recognized Texas A&M student organizations
• Capital campaigns or endowments outside their core mission areas

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

Chairman: Governor Jeb Bush

Board Members: The 35-member Board of Trustees includes distinguished public servants and Bush administration officials:

• James A. Baker, III (Secretary)
• Michael J. Boskin
• Richard C. Breeden
• Ambassador Charles E. Cobb, Jr.
• Ambassador Sue M. Cobb
• David Demarest
• Secretary Barbara H. Franklin
• Craig L. Fuller
• Vice President Dan Quayle
• Ambassador Sig Rogich
• Secretary Samuel J. Palmisano
• Secretary Samuel K. Skinner
• John H. Sununu
• Robert B. Zoellick (and 21 additional trustees)

Executive Leadership

Alice Gonzalez Yates, Chief Executive Officer - Brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience with deep ties to Texas A&M University. Previously served as Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the Texas A&M Foundation and Bush School of Government & Public Service in Washington, D.C. Since 2016, secured over $1.6 million in outside donor funding for philanthropic education. On her vision: "President and Mrs. Bush's unwavering commitment to selfless service and their deep dedication to Texas A&M and The Bush School inspire me daily. I see tremendous opportunities to build on this legacy—through innovative partnerships, a deeply engaged community, and a shared vision for the future."

Dr. Jayton Rainey, Chief Operating Officer

Maddie Hillin, Chief Financial Officer

Hutton Higgins, Chief Marketing Officer

Audrey Fadal, Chief of Staff

Pam Cote, Senior Director of the Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy

Stephanie Linder, Senior Director of Development

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy

• Application process and timeline not yet available as of February 2026
• First structured grant round expected in 2026
• Monitor foundation website and social media for updates
• For inquiries: bush.fund@bush41.org
• The Foundation will draw on expertise from a network of national family literacy experts to design the grantmaking process

George H.W. Bush Foundation Community Grant Program

• Administered through Mays Business School Strategic Philanthropy Course
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations in Brazos Valley or recognized Texas A&M student organizations
• Students research, evaluate, and select grant recipients
• Application timeline varies by semester
• Visit: mays.tamu.edu/strategic-philanthropy
• Contact: Kyle Gammenthaler at kyleg@tamu.edu

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Scholarship

• Deadline: May 16
• Required: Completed application, official transcript, letter of recommendation from community service leader/supervisor
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Recipients notified in June
• Payment made directly to school in fall semester

George H.W. Bush High School Public Service Scholarship

• Deadline: March 27
• School counseling departments select one finalist per school
• Required: Completed application, letter of recommendation, official transcript
• Minimum 3.5 GPA
• Selected recipients must submit bio, headshot, and financial aid information by June 26

Travel Grants (Texas A&M Students)

• Announcements made each fall
• Contact college departments for specific deadlines
• Contact: Jacob Miller at jacobmiller@tamu.edu

Decision Timeline

• Scholarships: 4-8 weeks (applications in March-May, decisions in June)
• Community Grant Program: One semester cycle (students review throughout semester)
• Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy: Timeline to be announced

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. However:

• Community Grant Program awarded to 2 organizations in 2023 based on Form 990
• The Strategic Philanthropy course at Mays has distributed nearly $500,000 since 2016
• Recent semesters awarded $50,000-$108,500 to multiple local nonprofits
• Barbara Bush Fund made 3 inaugural grants in November 2025

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated, though the Community Grant Program operates on a semester basis suggesting organizations can apply multiple times. For scholarships, students may apply annually if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.

Application Success Factors

For Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy Applicants

Mission Alignment is Critical: CEO Alice Gonzalez Yates emphasized that Barbara Bush believed "literacy is the foundation upon which we build full, productive lives – as individuals, as families, as communities and as a nation." Successful applicants will demonstrate comprehensive family literacy programming that helps parents and children learn together.

Demonstrated Impact: The Foundation seeks "well-respected national and community-based organizations already doing extraordinary work" and making "extraordinary impact on the ground." Show proven outcomes and effectiveness.

Urgency and Need: Yates noted that "family literacy programs nationwide are in urgent need of support." Articulate specific funding needs and how grants will strengthen existing programs.

Network and Reputation: The Foundation values organizations recognized by the national family literacy community and experts in the field.

For Community Grant Program Applicants

Local Impact: Focus on Brazos Valley community benefit and local needs. The Strategic Philanthropy course emphasizes teaching students about local nonprofit work.

Clear Mission and Programs: Students evaluate organizations' effectiveness, so provide clear descriptions of programs, outcomes, and impact measures.

Financial Transparency: Students learn philanthropic due diligence, so ensure financial information is readily available and demonstrates responsible stewardship.

Community Service Connection: Professor Kyle Gammenthaler has secured $1.6 million in donor funding specifically for philanthropy education, emphasizing community impact.

For Scholarship Applicants

Public Service Commitment: Both scholarships emphasize community service. The High School Public Service Scholarship requires "exceptional school and community involvement," while the CVN 77 scholarship requires a recommendation from a community service leader/supervisor.

Academic Excellence: Maintain strong GPAs (3.0 minimum for CVN 77, 3.5 for High School scholarship) and demonstrate good academic standing.

Bush School Connection: For CVN 77 scholarship, "priority is given to candidates attending The George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University," though all eligible candidates may apply.

Genuine Connection to Mission: Applications should reflect understanding of and commitment to President and Mrs. Bush's values of selfless service.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Literacy funders should monitor the Barbara Bush Fund closely: This represents a significant new national funding opportunity launching in 2026, building on $110 million+ of prior investment by the legacy Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

• Local Texas organizations benefit from student-led grantmaking: The Community Grant Program provides accessible funding ($50,000-$108,500 per semester) with a student review process that may be less competitive than traditional foundations.

• The Foundation values proven impact over new ideas: CEO Yates emphasized investing in organizations "already doing extraordinary work" rather than funding experimental programs.

• Connection to Texas A&M enhances applications: The Foundation's primary purpose is supporting programs at Texas A&M, so organizations with Texas A&M partnerships or student involvement may have advantages.

• Public service is the unifying theme: Whether literacy, education, or community grants, applicants should connect their work to the Bush legacy of selfless service and traditional American values.

• The Foundation is in growth mode: Under Alice Gonzalez Yates' leadership, the Foundation is "opening the next chapter" with expanded programming and "innovative partnerships," suggesting openness to new relationships.

• For family literacy organizations: Frame work in terms of Barbara Bush's belief that literacy opens "doors of opportunity" and helps families "build full, productive lives." The 2025 inaugural grants went to diverse programs (adult education, charter school, community organization), showing geographic and programmatic flexibility.

References

1. George & Barbara Bush Foundation Official Website - https://georgeandbarbarabush.org/ - Accessed February 11, 2026
2. The Foundation - Mission and Programs - https://georgeandbarbarabush.org/the-foundation - Accessed February 11, 2026
3. GuideStar Profile - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/76-0345781 - Accessed February 11, 2026
4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/760345781 - Accessed February 11, 2026
5. Instrumentl 990 Report - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/the-george-and-barbara-bush-foundation - Accessed February 11, 2026
6. George H.W. Bush Foundation Community Grant Program - https://georgeandbarbarabush.org/awards/george-h-w-bush-foundation-community-grant-program - Accessed February 11, 2026
7. Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy - https://georgeandbarbarabush.org/barbara-bush-fund-for-family-literacy-at-the-george-barbara-bush-foundation - Accessed February 11, 2026
8. USS George H.W. Bush Scholarship - https://georgeandbarbarabush.org/awards/uss-george-h-w-bush-cvn-77-scholarship - Accessed February 11, 2026
9. George H.W. Bush High School Public Service Scholarship - https://georgeandbarbarabush.org/awards/the-george-h-w-bush-high-school-public-service-scholarship - Accessed February 11, 2026
10. Foundation Staff - https://georgeandbarbarabush.org/the-foundation/foundation-staff - Accessed February 11, 2026
11. Board of Trustees - https://georgeandbarbarabush.org/the-foundation/board-of-trustees - Accessed February 11, 2026
12. George & Barbara Bush Foundation Appoints Alice Gonzalez Yates as CEO - https://georgeandbarbarabush.org/news/george-barbara-bush-foundation-appoints-alice-gonzalez-yates-as-ceo - Accessed February 11, 2026
13. George & Barbara Bush Foundation Launches Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy (Press Release, November 6, 2025) - http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/george--barbara-bush-foundation-launches-barbara-bush-fund-for-family-literacy-302606618.html - Accessed February 11, 2026
14. Mays Business School Strategic Philanthropy Course - https://mays.tamu.edu/strategic-philanthropy/ - Accessed February 11, 2026
15. Bush Foundation Travel Grants - Texas A&M Undergraduate Studies - https://us.tamu.edu/resources/george-barbara-bush-foundation-travel-grants - Accessed February 11, 2026
16. Biddeford Adult Education Grant Announcement - https://sacobaynews.com/biddeford-adult-educations-first-teachers-family-literacy-program-selected.htm - Accessed February 11, 2026