Mishler Brown Fund

The Mishler Brown Fund is administered through the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and was created as part of the legacy of Helen Mishler. Mishler, who had a lifelong passion for farming and preserving heritage, established the fund to ensure continued support for agricultural advancement, conservation, and historic preservation. A key part of her vision was to preserve her family’s historic farmstead in Elkhart County, including an 1838 cabin that remains a symbol of agricultural history. Through her estate planning, she extended this legacy to future generations by creating a fund dedicated to sustaining farming traditions and the preservation of natural and cultural resources. The fund’s purpose is to award grants to nonprofit organizations whose projects demonstrate alignment with its mission of advancing agriculture, supporting conservation, and preserving heritage. Specifically, it supports farming and agricultural education or preservation initiatives, projects that focus on the historic preservation of farms, barns, and farm equipment, and efforts aimed at conserving natural resources. Eligible applicants are expected to propose projects that connect to these focus areas and demonstrate impact in education, preservation, or sustainability within agricultural or conservation-related contexts. Funding may be awarded to one or more organizations each year, with award sizes varying depending on the scope, scale, and alignment of the proposed project with the fund’s objectives. While applicants are encouraged to request an amount appropriate to their project needs, the program emphasizes that proposals should clearly define outcomes, benefits to the community or stakeholders, and measurable progress indicators. Proposals should include a concise project plan, identification of beneficiaries, methods for tracking and reporting results, details on other potential or secured funding sources, and a simple budget illustrating the use of requested funds. The fund does not support individuals, fundraising events, lobbying, political activities, or organizations lacking 501(c)(3) status. Applications are accepted from organizations classified as 501(c)(3) public charities in the United States. Unlike some local funding opportunities, residency in Elkhart County is not a requirement, and organizations nationwide are eligible to apply provided they demonstrate a strong connection to the fund’s mission. Applications are submitted through the Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s online portal during the designated application window. Proposals are reviewed in partnership between the foundation and the fund advisor, with notifications provided once applications are received. The annual application cycle opens on October 1 and closes on December 31. Applications are reviewed in January of the following year, with funding decisions made thereafter. Because the fund is offered annually, applicants who are not selected in one round may consider reapplying in subsequent cycles. There are no pre-application or letter of intent requirements noted, but applicants are encouraged to develop thoughtful, detailed proposals that demonstrate mission alignment and sustainability. Strong proposals are expected to articulate need, strategy, impact, and accountability in clear terms. For inquiries and guidance, applicants can contact Carrie Berghoff, Chief Development Officer at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. She can be reached by email at carrie@inspiringgood.org or by phone at 574-295-8761. The foundation’s office is located at 240 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 104, Elkhart, Indiana 46516. More information is available at the foundation’s website inspiringgood.org, where application instructions and the submission portal are provided when the cycle is open.