Mishler Brown Fund Grant

Mishler Brown Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Last Updated: November 30, 2025

Summary

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

Overview

Note: Applications are currently closed. The application window for Mishler Brown grants opens each year on October 1, and all applications are due by December 31. Applications are evaluated in January of the following year, and awards are made thereafter. Mishler Brown Grant Helen Mishler loved farming and preserving its heritage. In her estate, she made plans to preserve one of the oldest farms in Elkhart County. A cabin constructed in 1838 on five acres of land near Nappanee is still standing and Mishler assured that it will be preserved where it sits near a large ginkgo tree. In addition to preserving her family’s homestead, she also established the Mishler Brown Fund as part of her legacy. The fund will honor her life by granting to nonprofits that work in agriculture and preservation. Size Of Grants Available dollars from this grant will be awarded in individual, or multiple awards annually. We often make grants to multiple organizations in a single cycle. The most important consideration is that the size of your request is in line with the scope of the project you are proposing.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Mishler Brown Fund grants to organizations or programs whose mission supports the interests of: farming; agriculture; historic preservation of farms, barns and equipment; or preservation of natural resources. Organizations requesting grant funds must have 501(c)(3) designation in the United States, and are NOT required to reside in Elkhart County.

Ineligibility

Exclusions to this grant include: Organizations without 501(c)3 status Fundraisers Individuals Organizations primarily engaged in lobbying or political activity