The Bicknell Promise

Legacy partners

The Promise begins with Elkhart builders already carrying the load.

This is a record of organizations, founders, mentors, and neighbors who take ownership for Elkhart with steadiness and care. It begins with C.A.R.E. University and grows through civic institutions and nonprofits doing necessary work close to home.

Founding partner

C.A.R.E. University

C.A.R.E. University helped give The Bicknell Promise its first public expression because its work is personal, practical, and deeply Elkhart. It notices the ordinary burdens students carry, then builds dependable care around those needs.

C.A.R.E. provides essentials, mentorship, tutoring, check-ins, and a safety net for students making the leap into further education. Its work is the daily discipline of making sure Elkhart students are not alone.

View the scholarship gift
Education and student supportC.A.R.E. University
Elkhart ownershipLocal builders taking responsibility
Platform and storyVoices carrying Elkhart forward

Organizations and entities we believe in

Civic anchors carrying long responsibilities for Elkhart.

City of Elkhart logoCity of ElkhartMunicipal government for Elkhart, Indiana, the City with a Heart.Community Foundation of Elkhart County logoCommunity Foundation of Elkhart CountyLocal foundation partnering with donors, funding scholarships, making grants, and supporting Elkhart County nonprofits.Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce logoGreater Elkhart Chamber of CommerceBusiness and community organization fostering connections that strengthen the Greater Elkhart business community.Elkhart Community Schools logoElkhart Community SchoolsPublic school district helping students graduate career, college, and life ready.Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau logoElkhart County Convention & Visitors BureauCountywide tourism, promotion, and public relations organization for Elkhart County.

Nonprofits we believe in

Organizations meeting people at the point of need.

Church Community Services logoChurch Community ServicesFaith-based Elkhart County agency addressing food insecurity, financial strain, job readiness, and long-term family stability.Includes Seed to Feed, Teen Growers, Soup of Success, Food Pantry, and Financial Services.Tolson Center for Community Excellence logoTolson Center for Community ExcellenceElkhart community center offering free programs across academics, wellness, arts, recreation, and social services.CAPS logoCAPSChild And Parent Services supports families so children can live free from abuse and neglect.Elkhart Festivals Inc. / Elkhart Jazz Festival logoElkhart Festivals Inc. / Elkhart Jazz FestivalProducer of the Elkhart Jazz Festival and community music programming in downtown Elkhart.Ryan's Place logoRyan's PlaceGrief-support organization providing compassionate peer groups and programs for children, teens, and families.Building Strong Brains logoBuilding Strong BrainsElkhart County early childhood initiative focused on helping children under age six and their families thrive.CareerWise Elkhart County logoCareerWise Elkhart CountyModern youth apprenticeship program connecting students to paid work-based learning and high-school and college credit.Jail Ministry of Elkhart County logoJail Ministry of Elkhart CountyChristian jail ministry serving incarcerated people, work-release residents, and reentry homes in Elkhart County.OWLs Club logoOWLs ClubInclusive community organization enriching the lives of seniors in Elkhart County and surrounding areas.Faith Mission of Michiana logoFaith Mission of MichianaChrist-centered shelter and service organization providing emergency shelter, meals, clothing, and restorative programs.First Light Mission logoFirst Light MissionGoshen-based shelter ministry providing refuge, resources, and temporary shelter for people in crisis.Bashor Children's Home logoBashor Children's HomeChild welfare nonprofit providing residential care, day treatment, alternative education, foster care, and community services.Humane Society of Elkhart County logoHumane Society of Elkhart CountyAnimal-welfare nonprofit rescuing, rehabilitating, rehoming, and advocating for compassionate care of animals.ADEC logoADECElkhart County-area nonprofit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.RETA logoRETAPregnancy clinic and family resource organization serving people facing pregnancy and parenting needs.Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County logoBoys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart CountyYouth development nonprofit inspiring and empowering young people across Elkhart County.Heart City Health logoHeart City HealthNonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center providing medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services.Cultivate Food Rescue logoCultivate Food RescueFood rescue nonprofit with an Elkhart facility expanding volunteer meal packaging and backpack meals for children.YWCA North Central Indiana logoYWCA North Central IndianaRegional YWCA providing crisis services, advocacy, violence prevention, and self-sufficiency programming.LoveWay logoLoveWayEquine assisted services center empowering individuals with disabilities through compassionate horse-centered programming.Stable Grounds logoStable GroundsMiddlebury equine therapy organization serving the region through horse-assisted care.Wellfield Botanic Gardens logoWellfield Botanic GardensElkhart botanic garden cultivating art, education, and ecology across 36 acres and more than 20 themed gardens.Council on Aging of Elkhart County logoCouncil on Aging of Elkhart CountySupports older adults through services and resources that foster dignity, wellness, independence, and quality of life.Hubbard Hill logoHubbard HillIndependent nonprofit senior living campus in Elkhart with adult services and Early Learning Center intergenerational programs.Five Star Life logoFive Star LifeYouth development organization serving students through character, leadership, and mentoring programs.Regality Inc. logoRegality Inc.Elkhart County nonprofit building confidence, self-esteem, leadership, mentoring, and career exploration for teen girls.Oaklawn Psychiatric Center logoOaklawn Psychiatric CenterMental health and addiction treatment organization serving children, adolescents, and adults in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.Crossroads United Way logoCrossroads United WayRegional United Way organization supporting local community impact work from its Elkhart base.Lacasa logoLacasaHousing, education, and community revitalization nonprofit helping people build stability and opportunity.The Window logoThe WindowGoshen nonprofit offering food, clothing, meals, care services, and hospitality rooted in dignity and welcome.The Samaritan Center logoThe Samaritan CenterElkhart counseling nonprofit founded as Samaritan Health and Living Center, providing professional counseling and compassionate support.Family Christian Development Center logoFamily Christian Development CenterNappanee-based rural community service organization providing pantry, clothing, medication, utility, and family supports.Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County logoHabitat for Humanity of Elkhart CountyLocal Habitat affiliate building homes, communities, and hope in Elkhart County.SAWs Michiana logoSAWs MichianaServants At Work builds wheelchair ramps to restore accessibility and independence.