SCHOLARSHIPS
A Scholarship with Heart: Honoring Guy David Gundlach
Students who are nominated but not selected for the Lilly Scholarship are awarded the Guy David Gundlach Memorial Scholarship—a $20,000 tuition award, paid over four years ($5,000 per year). This scholarship from the Community Foundation honors the generosity and vision of David Gundlach, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who believed education was key to a meaningful life.
Eligibility
To be considered for these scholarships, students must:
- Be a resident of Elkhart County
- Be a graduate of an accredited Elkhart County high school
- Be planning to enroll in a four-year degree program at an accredited Indiana college or university beginning in fall 2026
- Have completed a course of study meeting Core 40, Indiana Academic Honors Diploma, or an equivalent standard
- Live in a household where neither parent/guardian has completed a four-year college degree
Students interested in this scholarship should speak with their high school counselor to request an access code. This code allows them to begin the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application online.
The application must be completed between August 1, 2025 and September 25, 2025. After the deadline, all submitted applications from each high school are forwarded to that school’s designated committee. Each high school will then select one nominee to proceed through the Lilly/Gundlach process.
About David Gundlach
Guy “David” Gundlach was born in California in 1955 and raised in Elkhart, where he graduated from Elkhart Memorial High School in 1973. After earning his business degree from Chapman College in 1979, David built a career marked by innovation and generosity.
He worked in information technology for IBM and later helped modernize operations for Lloyd’s of London. From there, he founded Hastings Direct, a successful direct insurance company based in England.
After selling his business, David explored film production in Los Angeles, producing the award-winning movie Get Low starring Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, and Bill Murray.
Though he traveled the world—including philanthropic efforts in Romania, Morocco, Russia, and Sri Lanka—David’s heart always remained in Elkhart. He was a passionate advocate for children and a generous supporter of local organizations.
David Gundlach passed away in 2011. His legacy lives on through the students whose futures are made brighter by the scholarship that bears his name.
Contact Us
Questions? One of our scholarship team members can help you.
Anne Horst Hanby
Scholarship Administrator
[email protected]
(574) 295-8761
Jackie Rodriguez
Program Officer
[email protected]
(574) 295-8761
Guy Fisher
Chief Program Officer
[email protected]
(574) 295-8761
