Whitefish Community Foundation announced a record $10.8 million raised for 89 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations at the Great Fish Awards Ceremony Thursday evening. The total included $9.1 million donated by more than 4,000 individuals, families and businesses during the month-long campaign, $1.7 million from the Great Fish Match, and $62,000 in incentive grants and special awards. The grand total of $10,841,320 raised represents a 34% increase over last year's Challenge.
This year's Great Fish Match was the largest in the Challenge's history, fueled by the continued growth of Whitefish Community Foundation's Circle of Giving and additional gifts to the Great Fish Match Fund. The Circle surpassed 300 members for the first time this year, unlocking a $300,000 bonus gift that helped increase the Match available to participating nonprofits. Circle of Giving members contribute $5,000 or more annually to support Whitefish Community Foundation's grant and capacity-building programs, including the Great Fish Match.
Each participating nonprofit received a 76% match on $25,000 raised, resulting in a maximum matching grant of up to $19,000 per organization.
“I am absolutely blown away by what this community accomplished,” said Alan Davis, President and CEO of Whitefish Community Foundation. “More than $10 million raised for local nonprofits is something to celebrate! Year after year, the Flathead Valley shows up for each other, and this year the community took it to an entirely new level. I'm especially grateful to the nonprofits whose hard work, energy and enthusiasm made this Challenge such a success. I couldn't be more proud of our community or more excited about the incredible impact these funds will have across the Flathead Valley.”
Whitefish Community Foundation organizes and administers the Great Fish Community Challenge at no cost to participating nonprofits, connecting local donors with organizations serving communities across the Flathead Valley. Since 2015, the Challenge has raised over $53 million for more than 100 local nonprofits.
In addition to announcing final campaign results, Whitefish Community Foundation presented special awards recognizing nonprofit leadership, volunteerism and corporate citizenship.
DREAM Adaptive Recreation received the $10,000 Great Fish Award, presented annually to a nonprofit that demonstrates exceptional leadership and growth, uses the Challenge to broaden awareness of its mission and deepen its impact, and proves to be an outstanding participant. Celebrating more than 40 years of service, DREAM provides year-round adaptive outdoor recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The organization raised more than $400,000 during this year's Challenge and was recognized for its compelling storytelling, strong community engagement and continued growth of their impact. DREAM is also preparing to open a new headquarters and winter operations center to better serve their programs.
Whitefish Mountain Resort received the Corporate Citizenship Award in recognition of its longstanding commitment to supporting local nonprofits and strengthening the community. In addition to supporting organizations through the Great Fish Community Challenge, the Resort partners with Whitefish Community Foundation on its Patron Ski Pass Program and provides countless in-kind support of land, trail easements, equipment, and staff time for local nonprofits. The Resort directed the accompanying $5,000 grant to the Abbie Shelter, which is celebrating 50 years of serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
West Shore Food Bank’s board of directors received the Connie Heckathorn Cheers for Volunteers Award in recognition of its outstanding volunteer service and commitment to addressing food insecurity on the west shore of Flathead Lake. Traditionally presented to an individual volunteer, this year's award recognized an entirely volunteer-run organization. West Shore Food Bank raised over $125,000 during the Challenge, bringing enthusiasm, creativity and community spirit to Great Fish events throughout the campaign. A $5,000 grant accompanied the award.
A detailed report on the 2026 Great Fish Community Challenge, including final results, award recipients and donor recognition, will be published in the Daily Inter Lake on November 8, and the Whitefish Pilot, Bigfork Eagle and Hungry Horse News on November 11.
The Great Fish Community Challenge is made possible by title sponsor BNSF and supporting 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. These sponsors help keep the Challenge free of charge for participating nonprofits.
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