Whitefish Community Foundation

Whitefish Community Foundation brings together donors and nonprofits to invest in community-led initiatives that improve our quality of life in the Flathead Valley. The Foundation was started 25 years ago by 5 founders who saw a need to pool donations for a greater impact so that nonprofits can excel at their missions. Now more than 3,000 people who share a love of the Flathead Valley donate to Whitefish Community Foundation. Since 2000, the Foundation has granted over $80 million to nonprofits.

We plan and host the Great Fish Community Challenge free of charge for Flathead Valley nonprofits and provide the match. The Challenge has inspired nearly $30 million in giving for local nonprofits by providing an efficient platform to build awareness about the critical work of Flathead Valley nonprofits, connect with new donors, and raise critical operating funds.

 

Whitefish Community Foundation also supports our nonprofits throughout the year in many other ways. Through our grant programs, we helped purchase a new wheelchair accessible bus for the veteran’s home in Columbia Falls, funded the creation of the new Somers Beach State Park, helped create a new after-school program in Evergreen, and expanded the North Valley Food Bank. Our board and staff thoroughly vet each nonprofit and have already reviewed over 100 grant applications this year.

 

In addition to granting money, we provide the management and leadership tools so that nonprofits can advance their missions. For example, we have helped numerous organizations purchase and implement donor database software, so they can be more successful in fundraising. We also host free training programs in topics such as board governance and finance.

 

All of this is made possible by individual donors, our Circle of Giving members, and our $20M+ in permanent endowment funds. The Circle of Giving has grown to more than 200 donors who give $5,000 or more annually to support the Great Fish Match and grant programs. The Circle allows the Foundation react quickly to emergency needs and provides critical funding for major community projects that have a significant impact on the Flathead Valley

 

Whitefish Community Foundation also provides expertise helping donors meet their charitable goals.