Bontrager Family Foundation Grant

The Bontrager Family Foundation, guided by members of the Bontrager family and administered with the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, was established to honor the legacy of Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager. Rooted in the family’s deep history of community involvement and giving, the foundation continues a longstanding tradition of charitable support, particularly reflecting Christian faith, family values, and community focus. The foundation’s philanthropy is closely connected to the family’s origins in Middlebury, Indiana, and extends primarily to organizations serving Elkhart County, with an emphasis on projects in and around Middlebury. The foundation’s principal purpose is to provide grants that support Christian faith-based initiatives, youth and family programs, and efforts that benefit the Middlebury community and its surrounding area. These giving priorities require applicants to clearly demonstrate alignment with at least one of the foundation’s core values. Proposals should include clear goals and metrics, as applications that are project-based and outcome-focused are more likely to be funded. While the foundation has historically supported Mennonite schools, churches, and other charitable community activities, its grantmaking is not limited strictly to these entities but remains aligned with the Bontrager family’s faith-based and community-driven values. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charities serving residents of Elkhart County, Indiana. There is a strong preference for projects rooted in the Middlebury area, reflecting the family’s longstanding ties to the community. The foundation does not fund individuals, fundraising events, organizations without 501(c)(3) status, or political and lobbying activities. The foundation also generally does not contribute to large capital campaigns or general fundraising efforts, and places emphasis on project-based proposals with measurable outcomes. Grant amounts typically range from $1,500 to $30,000, with an average award size of $14,000. While there is no stated ceiling for total program funding, and the number of awards is not specified, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate how requested funds will be used and how success will be evaluated. Budgets can be submitted in .pdf, .doc, or .xls format as part of the application. The foundation does not require matching funds for eligibility. The application process is designed to be accessible, with no limit on how often an organization may apply or on the number of concurrent grant applications it may submit. Two funding cycles are offered annually, with application deadlines on May 31 and October 31. Applications submitted after a deadline will be reviewed in the next funding cycle. There are no pre-application deadlines, LOI stages, or Q&A sessions described in the materials, but organizations are encouraged to review the family’s priorities, consider internal project alignment, and prepare a clear and well-considered proposal. Following submission, applicants will receive email confirmation. Proposals are reviewed by Bontrager family advisors in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Elkhart County staff. Notification of the outcome is sent after review. For further information, applicants may contact Carrie Berghoff, Chief Development Officer, at carrie@inspiringgood.org or 574-295-8761. The Community Foundation’s office is located at 240 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 104, Elkhart, IN 46516.