Earlier this month, runners gathered at the Cedar Flats trail system north of Columbia Falls for a first-of-its-kind event. They wound through the forest on foot, climbing hills and following stretches of newly built trail during the inaugural Cedar Flats Trail Trot, hosted by Gateway to Glacier Trails.
For the runners, it was a chance to experience a new place and test their legs. For Gateway to Glacier Trails, the race celebrated something that has been taking shape one mile at a time for years.
The nonprofit has helped expand opportunities to get outside around Columbia Falls, including 25 miles of multi-use, non-motorized trails at Cedar Flats and public access trails on the Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area. Gateway to Glacier Trails is also working toward safe, shared-use paths connecting communities through Badrock Canyon to Glacier National Park, creating more places for hikers, bikers, runners and families to experience the landscape we call home.
When Gateway to Glacier first participated in the Great Fish Community Challenge in 2019, it raised $17,000, including the matching grant. Last year, that total reached $60,000. The organization credits the Challenge with helping introduce more people to its work and turn enthusiasm for trails into lasting support.
"The Great Fish Community Challenge has been integral to our mission of building and maintaining local trails, fostering stewardship, and connecting communities,” said Amanda Minatra, Program Coordinator, Gateway to Glacier Trails. “The Challenge isn't just a financial boost for local nonprofits — it's a reminder of all the good being done in our Valley, and we're grateful to be part of it."
Gateway to Glacier is one of several organizations in this year’s Challenge caring for the lands and waters that define northwest Montana. Whitefish Legacy Partners, Glacier Institute, Flathead Land Trust, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, Flathead Audubon Society, Whitefish Lake Institute and Flathead Rivers Alliance are among the nonprofits building trails, protecting habitat and waterways, stewarding wild places and connecting people with the outdoors.
A record 89 nonprofits are participating in this year’s Challenge, addressing needs ranging from food and shelter to arts, education, animal welfare and conservation. Their missions differ, but all are working toward stronger, healthier communities.
And local donors are showing up. Since the Challenge began August 11, more than 2,000 donors have already contributed over $3 million, supporting one organization or many. No matter the size, every gift makes an impact and is a vote of confidence in our local nonprofits.
The Challenge also gives those gifts an opportunity to go further. At the close of the campaign, Whitefish Community Foundation will award a percentage matching grant on $25,000 raised by each participating nonprofit. The match is made possible by Circle of Giving donors and others who contribute to the Great Fish Match Fund.
There are many paths to giving, just as there are many reasons to give. Maybe yours begins on a trail north of Columbia Falls. Maybe it follows a river you love, leads to an animal waiting for a home or arrives at the door of a neighbor who needs a helping hand. It might take you to a concert, a classroom or a food pantry. What matters is finding the cause that speaks to you and turning that connection into action.
The Great Fish Community Challenge makes it easy. With one transaction, you can support one nonprofit or many and receive a single tax receipt. Gifts can be made by credit card, check, appreciated stock, a charitable distribution from an IRA, private foundation or Donor Advised Fund.
Giving continues through 5 p.m. on September 11. I hope you’ll explore the 89 participating organizations, learn about their work, and maybe find some inspiration to give back. Visit whitefishcommunityfoundation.org/greatfish or call 406-863-1781 to make your gift.
When each of us supports the causes we care about, those individual acts of generosity add up to something much bigger: a community where nonprofits have the resources to do their best work and where neighbors invest in the people and places that make northwest Montana home.
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