The Well Foundation, originally established in 1969 as the Goshen Hospital & Health Care Foundation, was created to strengthen and sustain Goshen General Hospital, ensuring ongoing access to quality healthcare for future generations. Over the years, the foundation has contributed over $6 million to health-related causes in the surrounding community. In March 2017, its assets were transitioned to the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. Despite this change, many of the foundation's original volunteers continue to participate in grant-making decisions, particularly those focused on healthcare in the local area.
The Well Foundation Fund supports initiatives centered on health and wellness that directly benefit residents of Elkhart County, Indiana. Each year, approximately $200,000 is available to be awarded in grants. Eligible requests must be for a minimum of $1,000 and may include single-year, challenge, or multi-year proposals. Grants are expected to address one or both of the fund’s core priorities: health and wellness. Importantly, all funded efforts must have a direct and measurable benefit to the residents of Elkhart County.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as well as public entities such as schools, municipalities, governmental units, and chambers of commerce. However, the foundation does not support individuals, deficit coverage, retroactive expenses, religious property-related costs (with limited exceptions), proselytizing, political activities, lobbying efforts, or scholarships for post-secondary education. Projects proposed by religious organizations must be strictly nonsectarian in nature.
The grant application process begins by contacting Program Officer Vonnie Trumble. Nonprofits are required to submit an online application, which is accessible through a secure portal. The full review and decision timeline spans approximately eight weeks after the application deadline. After an initial review by the Program Officer, all proposals are evaluated by the Well Foundation Fund Committee, with final funding decisions made by the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Notifications are typically communicated by mid-November.
Grant recipients are required to submit a post-award report detailing the outcomes of the funded project. A site visit may also be necessary as part of the follow-up process. Specific reporting requirements and deadlines will be provided alongside the grant award documentation and will be reiterated by the Program Officer.
For further information or to initiate an application, applicants should contact Vonnie Trumble, Program Officer, at vonnie@inspiringgood.org or call (574) 295-8761.
