The Bontrager Family Foundation is a donor-advised fund held at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County (CFEC). Established in 2016, the foundation was created by the Bontrager family, known for their legacy of charitable contributions, particularly in Elkhart County. The family has long emphasized giving, particularly through Christian faith, a focus on youth and families, and dedicated service to the Middlebury community. Their philanthropic philosophy originates from their tradition of tithing and supporting education and church institutions, and continues through structured grantmaking aimed at reinforcing these values.

The foundation primarily awards grants to 501(c)(3) organizations whose missions align with the Bontrager family’s core values. The eligible organizations should either serve the Middlebury area, focus on youth and families, or be rooted in Christian faith. Grants are typically awarded to nonprofit organizations serving Elkhart County with local or regional impacts. The foundation explicitly excludes funding to non-501(c)(3) entities, individuals, fundraisers, and organizations primarily involved in political or lobbying activities.

Applications are submitted online via the CFEC platform. To prepare, organizations should thoroughly evaluate their needs and alignment with the foundation’s values. The application process encourages brief, specific proposals with a focus on clearly defined projects. Applicants must explain the purpose of their request, the audience served, project costs, and anticipated outcomes. A proposed budget file is encouraged. The foundation values applications that offer a measurable impact, propose sustainable models, and demonstrate community need.

Applications must address the following elements: a clear description of the project, identification of the target population and justification, success metrics, and sustainability planning. Applicants should also include identifying information about their organization, such as contact information, board members, and leadership details. Proposals may be for new, ongoing, or one-time projects and must detail both the total cost and requested amount.

The average grant award in 2022 was $12,500, with grants ranging between $1,500 and $30,000. There is no formal limit on the number of applications that can be submitted by an organization. Two annual deadlines govern the submission cycles: May 31 and October 31. Applications received after these dates are automatically deferred to the next cycle. Award decisions are made after each cycle by the family advisors, and applicants are notified by the Community Foundation. Proposals are not judged on grant-writing polish but rather the merit and alignment of the project.

For assistance during the application process, applicants may contact either Carrie Berghoff, Chief Development Officer, at Carrie@inspiringgood.org or Kim Miller, Director of Donor Services, at Kim@inspiringgood.org. The Foundation office is located at 240 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 104, Elkhart, Indiana, and can be reached at (574) 295-8761.