Originally published in the Daily Inter Lake on October 26, 2025.
Each year, the Great Fish Community Challenge reminds us what makes the Flathead Valley so special. It’s not just the mountains and lakes that keep us here — it’s the spirit of generosity and shared purpose that thrive in this community.
Hosted by Whitefish Community Foundation, the Challenge is offered at no cost to participating nonprofits, ensuring every dollar donated goes directly to the organizations doing vital work across our valley.
This year, that generosity reached new heights. Over the four-week campaign, 4,286 donors gave nearly $6.7 million to benefit 85 Flathead Valley nonprofits. Thanks to our growing Circle of Giving and donors who contributed to the Great Fish Match Fund, participating nonprofits also received a 68% match on $25,000 raised, resulting in a maximum matching grant of $17,000 per organization.
With the Match Fund totaling $1,372,532 — plus $59,500 in incentive grants and special awards — the total distributed through the 2025 Challenge reached an astounding $8,098,663, a 21% increase over 2024!
The Challenge’s growth isn’t just about dollars — it reflects a deepening culture of generosity. The average donor supported 3.4 nonprofits, showing that people care about a range of issues in our valley.
Behind every statistic are countless stories of kindness: parents teaching their children to give back, businesses rallying employees to contribute, longtime residents giving in memory of loved ones, and brand-new donors getting involved for the first time.
As Whitefish Community Foundation celebrates 25 years of strengthening philanthropy in the Flathead Valley, the success of this year’s Challenge stands as a testament to what’s possible when we work together for a brighter future.
To every donor, volunteer, sponsor, and nonprofit that made this year’s Challenge a record success — thank you! The Great Fish Community Challenge is so much more than a fundraiser — it’s a reflection of a collaborative, committed and caring community that we are lucky to call home.
Alan Davis is the President/CEO of Whitefish Community Foundation. He can be reached at alan@whitefishcommunityfoundation.org or (406) 863-1781.
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