CFEC: Bontrager Family Foundation Grant

CFEC: Bontrager Family Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Amount: US $1,500 - US $30,000
Last Updated: November 30, 2025

Summary

The Bontrager Family Foundation, established by the Bontrager family, aims to enhance life in Elkhart County through generosity and philanthropic efforts. They focus on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly those aligned with their values of integrity, inclusion, and collaboration. Grants are awarded twice yearly, targeting local initiatives, including Christian faith-based programs and services for youth and families. The foundation continues a legacy of charitable giving that dates back to the family's early commitment to tithing.

Overview

Applications are due on May 31 and October 31 each year and awards will happen after each deadline. Mission: To improve the quality of life in Elkhart County by inspiring generosity. Values: The Community Foundation is committed to the following as essential to our effectiveness. We aspire to reflect the following values as we serve the community: Integrity: An abiding pledge to honesty, professionalism, humility, and respect. Inclusion: We seek and elevate diverse voices. We are most impactful when our organization and deliberations include people from varied backgrounds, opinions, and perspectives. Excellence: In our every endeavor. Collaboration: We believe in teamwork, both internally and externally. We desire to be trusted partners with community members, civic leaders, and not-for-profit organizations to provide high-impact programs and services benefitting the broadest possible constituency. Bontrager Family Foundation Bontrager family advisors will focus on making a measurable impact on organizations that share the same value system instilled deep into their family heritage, including Christian faith-based organizations, youth and families, the Middlebury community. History Even before Jayco Inc. was founded in 1968, Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager were dedicated to tithing and giving to charitable causes. Throughout Jayco’s decades of production and growth in Middlebury, the family always remained committed to tithe (a biblical practice of giving 10 percent) from its profits. The family often supported Mennonite schools, colleges, universities, church organizations as well as national, international and local charities. The Bontrager Family Foundation allows the family to continue its tradition of giving. Family members will advise where to give gifts from the foundation and use the fund as an instrument to accomplish their charitable goals. Their culture of philanthropy will impact the success of many nonprofits serving Elkhart County. Read their full story.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Organizations requesting grant funds must have 501(c)(3) designation in the United States. Typically, grants are awarded to Elkhart County serving organizations with programs and services that have an impact locally.Along with Community Foundation staff, Bontrager family advisors will focus on making a measurable impact on organizations that share the same value system instilled deep into their family heritage. These values include:Christian faith-based organizations Youth and family The Middlebury community

Ineligibility

The Bontrager Family Fund does not provide funds to:Non-501(c)3 organizations Fundraisers Individuals Organizations primarily engaged in lobbying or political activity