Bontrager Family
Foundation

Long before Jayco Inc. was founded in 1968, Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager believed in giving back. As their family business grew in Middlebury, so did their commitment to tithing—donating a portion of earnings to charitable causes locally, nationally, and internationally. Their gifts often supported Mennonite schools, churches, and community efforts.

The Bontrager Family Foundation continues this tradition. Guided by family members, the foundation makes grants that reflect the Bontrager values and heritage, focusing on faith, family, and community. Working with staff from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, the family reviews and recommends grants that make a measurable difference in the region—particularly in and around Middlebury, Indiana.

Giving Priorities

The Bontrager Family Foundation supports organizations and projects that align with the following values:

• Christian faith-based initiatives
• Youth and family programs
• The Middlebury community and surrounding area

Applicants should clearly connect their proposal to one or more of these priorities.

Who Can Apply?

To be considered, organizations must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity
• Serve residents of Elkhart County, with a strong preference for projects rooted in the Middlebury area

We do not fund:

• Individuals
• Fundraising events
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
• Political or lobbying activity

Grant Details

• Typical grant amounts range from $1,500 to $30,000
• Average grant amount is $14,000
• Applications that are project-based and have clear goals and metrics are more likely to be funded
• The foundation does not typically contribute to large capital campaigns or general fundraising efforts

Application Deadlines

Grant application deadlines are:

• May 31
• October 31

Applications submitted after these dates will be reviewed in the next cycle. There is no limit to how often your organization may apply or how many grants you may submit.

Before applying, organizations are encouraged to:

• Review the Bontrager family’s values and focus areas
• Discuss internal priorities and gather key information about the proposed project
• Consider how success will be measured and whether additional funding sources will be needed

Preparing a Strong Proposal

Your proposal should answer:

• What do you want to do?
• Who needs it, and why?
• How will you measure the progress/success of the project?
• If relevant, do you intend to secure sustained funding from another source? How can we partner with you to help you succeed at this step?
• Your organization’s intended use of the funds. You may include a budget (.pdf, .doc, .xls) with your application to allow us to see your allotment of funds.

We aim to keep the process straightforward and focused. We recognize that not all applicants have dedicated grant writers, and we don’t want the application process to be a barrier. What matters most is a clear idea, a well-considered plan, and a direct benefit to people in our region.

You may include a supporting budget (.pdf, .doc, or .xls format) as part of your submission. Once submitted, you will receive an email confirmation. After review by Bontrager family advisors, the Community Foundation will notify each applicant of the outcome.