Whitefish Community Foundation will kick off the 2026 Great Fish Community Challenge with a free, family-friendly Launch Party on Tuesday, August 11, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Glacier Bank Park, home of the Glacier Range Riders.
Attendees can explore 89 interactive nonprofit booths, enjoy complimentary food and beverages, and participate in fun activities for all ages. Everyone who attends will be entered to win one of five $1,000 grants for the participating nonprofit of their choice.
The Great Fish Community Challenge is a four-week charitable giving campaign hosted by Whitefish Community Foundation to help Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations raise critical funding for their projects and programs. With a single transaction, donors can support multiple nonprofits and receive one tax receipt. Donations are accepted via credit card, check, appreciated stock, IRA distribution, private foundation, or Donor Advised Fund. 100% of each gift goes directly to the nonprofits selected by the donor, and Whitefish Community Foundation covers all the costs associated with the campaign.
At the conclusion of the Challenge, Whitefish Community Foundation will award a percentage match on $25,000 raised by each participating nonprofit. This match is made possible by the Foundation’s Circle of Giving donors, along with supporters of the Great Fish Match Fund.
"The Launch Party is one of the few times each year when our nonprofit community comes together in one place," said Alan Davis, President and CEO of Whitefish Community Foundation. "The event is fun, free, and full of opportunities to learn about the amazing organizations who work hard every day to make the Flathead Valley a special place to live. A donation of any size is a vote of confidence for local nonprofits, and I encourage everyone to join us at the party and consider giving back."
Over the past decade, the Great Fish Community Challenge has become a vital source of funding for many Flathead Valley nonprofits, raising over $43 million to support youth programs, conservation projects, food banks, recreational trails, the arts, mental health services, affordable housing, and much more. In 2025, 4,300 donors gave $8.1M in the Challenge to 85 local nonprofits.
The Great Fish Community Challenge is supported by Title Sponsor BNSF and event sponsors First Interstate Bank, Glacier Bank, Glacier Guides & Montana Raft, Harris Financial, Iron Horse Foundation, JCCS, Park Side Credit Union, Stockman Bank, Summit Beverage, Three Rivers Bank, and Whitefish Credit Union.
Donations to the Great Fish Community Challenge will be accepted from August 11 through September 11. To make a gift and support the causes you care about, visit whitefishcommunityfoundation.org or call (406) 863-1781.
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