The Bush Foundation's final grant and fellowship payments in 2008 reflected its commitment to legacy and transition support for organizations with which the foundation has had long-standing relationships, as well as payments on grants that are part of its recently adopted Goals for a Decade, announced in July

Going forward, the foundation expects that payout for legacy and transition in 2009 will be approximately $16 million, with additional payments continuing for several years.

In the entirety of 2008, the foundation paid $34.6 million, of which $10.6 million was targeted specifically to benefit people and communities in Minnesota and the Dakotas, of which North Dakota received $3.4 million.

In 2009, the foundation is focusing on Goals for a Decade in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, to develop leaders and engage communities in solving problems, to support the self-determination of Native nations and to increase educational achievement.

Among the Bush Foundation payments made in September-December 2008 as part of its Goals for a Decade:

Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Stewardship Fund, LaMoure, $70,000; North Dakota Consensus Council Inc., Bismarck, $50,000; Sitting Bull College, Fort Yates, $30,000; and Mountain Plains Youth Services Coalition, Bismarck, $70,000.