59% Match on the first $20,000 Raised!

Read the 2022 Great Fish Community Challenge Report

GREAT FISH AWARD: Whitefish Community Foundation presents the Great Fish Award annually to a nonprofit that demonstrates tremendous leadership and dedication toward advancing their mission and impacting the critical needs in local communities. Flathead Warming Center was selected as the 2022 Great Fish Award recipient for the organization’s work to save lives, link resources, and encourage dignity through low-barrier access to a warm, safe place for those in need. This prestigious award is accompanied by a $7,500 grant.
(Photo): WCF Board Chair Ardy Whisler presents the 2022 Great Fish Award to Tonya Horn and Jody Waggener of Flathead Warming Center at the October 17th Great Fish Awards Celebration.

The Corporate Citizenship Award is presented each year to a local business that goes above and beyond to support the Great Fish Community Challenge and participating nonprofits. Fun Beverage was selected as the recipient of this year’s Corporate Citizenship Award for their leadership in philanthropy by giving generously and matching their employees’ gifts dollar-for-dollar during the campaign. Since 2007 when Fun Beverage relocated to their current warehouse, the company has supported countless nonprofit events and contributed nearly $900,000 to Flathead Valley charities. Thank you, Fun Beverage! Fun Beverage presented the designated grant of $2,500 that accompanies this award to Flathead Food Bank.
(Photo): Pictured left to right: Fun Beverage Shareholders Paul Wacholz, Kim Clausen, Brian Clark, and Gary McClarty

Gayle MacLaren receives the Connie Heckathorn Cheers for Volunteers Award

CONNIE HECKATHORN “Cheers for Volunteers” Award: One of five founders of Whitefish Community Foundation, Connie Heckathorn passed away in 2021, leaving a rich legacy of community projects and volunteer service. In honor of Connie’s commitment to volunteerism, Whitefish Community Foundation is pleased to recognize the power of volunteers and their impact on our communities. This year’s Connie Heckathorn “Cheers for Volunteers” Award was presented to Gayle MacLaren for her decades of tireless service to local nonprofits, including Project Whitefish Kids, Whitefish School District Education Foundation, and many others. Gayle selected Project Whitefish Kids to receive the $2,500 grant that accompanied the award.
(Photo): WCF Board Member Carol Atkinson presented the Connie Heckathorn “Cheers for Volunteers” Award to Gayle MacLaren on October 17th at the Great Fish Awards Celebration.

Experience a donor advised FUND

A Donor Advised Fund offers individuals and families the ease and flexibility of giving, similar to a private foundation but without all the expense and administration. Gifts of cash or appreciated securities can be donated to set up your fund. You use your fund to make grants to charities over a period of time. Your gift can grow tax free through several investment options. The Community Foundation will do all the administration so that you can focus on your philanthropy.

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Leave Your Legacy

A Legacy Fund is a charitable tool that allows you to set up a bequest to your community to direct your gift to the nonprofits that are aligned with your interests and passions. A Legacy Fund is a designated endowment fund that allows your gift to make annual distributions from your named fund in perpetuity. It is a wonderful way for you to leave a legacy to your community and be remembered for it.

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Build Sustainable Growth for Local Nonprofits

The Montana Qualified Endowment Credit offers donors the opportunity to save on their Montana tax liability while providing a sustainable source of funding for their favorite charities. Donors can receive a state income tax credit of 40% of the present value of a qualifying planned gift, up to $10,000 per year for an individual ($20,000 if filing jointly).

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Nonprofit Development Partnership

Whitefish Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Development Partnership program offers professional development and networking opportunities free of charge for employees and volunteers of local nonprofit organizations. Click below to find out how we can assist your nonprofit.

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2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Changing Lives Together

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MAKE A GIFT TO THE WHITEFISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Whitefish Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on fostering philanthropy, building endowments and helping donors benefit our community. Our work makes the Great Fish Community Challenge possible. If you value our work please make a gift to the Community Foundation through the Great Fish Community Challenge and help us continue making good things happen in our community.