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Eli B. Michel neverlostneverlate Wilderness Scholarship

WHITLEY COUNTY COMMUNITY

Foundation Annual Grants for Youth ProgramsYouth Leadership Grants
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Eli B. Michel neverlostneverlate Wilderness Scholarship

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

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

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    youth-programsyouth-leadership

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