How much funding does Eli B. Michel neverlostneverlate Wilderness Scholarship provide?

The listing does not state a funding amount. Check the funder's announcement for specifics.

When is the deadline for Eli B. Michel neverlostneverlate Wilderness Scholarship?

The funder has not published a deadline for this grant.

Who is eligible for Eli B. Michel neverlostneverlate Wilderness Scholarship?

Eligible applicants: Whitley County residents ages 18-23.

Eli B. Michel neverlostneverlate Wilderness Scholarship

Q: How often is Eli B. Michel neverlostneverlate Wilderness Scholarship offered?

Eli B. Michel neverlostneverlate Wilderness Scholarship accepts applications on a rolling basis.

Whitley County Community Foundation Inc

Foundation Annual Grants for Youth Programs Youth Leadership Grants

Funding Amount

Not stated

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Rolling — applications accepted year-round
Tracked since: April 2026

From the program guidelines: “NOLS offers courses year-round throughout the United States”

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Whitley County residents ages 18-23

Other requirements

May apply at age 17 but must be 18 before participating if selected
Selected recipients will attend NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) wilderness courses

Overview

A wilderness scholarship established to honor the legacy of Eli B. Michel, a Whitley County native and accomplished outdoor adventurer who died in a mountaineering accident in 2023. The scholarship supports young people pursuing outdoor leadership experiences and wilderness adventures.

Geographic Scope: Whitley County, Indiana residents

Eligibility:

Whitley County residents ages 18-23
May apply at age 17 but must be 18 before participating if selected
Selected recipients will attend NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) wilderness courses

Award Purpose:

Funds NOLS wilderness classes to develop leadership skills and build courage
Supports immersive expeditions in remote, wild places
Enables participation in tight-knit community of students and instructors

Course Options:

Duration varies by course
Application will provide information on which courses the scholarship can fund that year
NOLS offers courses year-round throughout the United States
Courses available in: Rockies (climbing), Wyoming (backcountry skiing/winter camping), Alaska (mountaineering/backpacking), Patagonia Chile (mountaineering), and other locations

About Eli B. Michel:

Columbia City High School graduate (2007)
U.S. Naval Academy graduate (2011)
Navy career: Search & Rescue Swimmer, Anti-Terrorism Officer, Mine Warfare Commander
NOLS instructor in climbing, skiing, mountaineering, and backpacking
Certifications: EMT, Wilderness First Responder, High Angle Rescuer, Avalanche Rescuer
Died May 5, 2023, in mountaineering accident on Moose's Tooth in Denali National Park, Alaska

Contact Information:

Community Foundation of Whitley County
Phone: 260-244-5224
Email: vanessa@cfwhitley.org
Address: 1171 E Woods Way, Columbia City, IN 46725
Website: www.cfwhitley.org

Fund Status: Accepting tax-deductible contributions in Eli's memory. Open to receive gifts to strengthen the endowment.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Eli's life: https://neverlostneverlate.com
NOLS information: https://www.nols.edu

How to Apply

Application Process

Timeline:

First annual applications anticipated Spring 2025
Applications will be made available through Community Foundation of Whitley County
Specific deadlines will be announced with application availability

Application Materials

Applications will include information on:

Eligible wilderness courses for that year
Course duration and location options
Course-specific requirements and prerequisites
Selection criteria

Next Steps

Monitor www.cfwhitley.org for Spring 2025 application availability
Contact Community Foundation for details
Phone: 260-244-5224
Email: vanessa@cfwhitley.org

Apply with Grantable Learn more

What Whitley County Community Foundation Inc actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 62
Total given: $1.42M
Median grant: $13K
Range: $5,559–$309K

By dollars: Indiana 95%, Virginia 2%, Wisconsin <1%. Top recipient cities: Columbia City, IN; Fort Wayne, IN; Churubusco, IN.
28% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
37% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.