charitable funds
Charitable Gift Funds to meet your needs
Whitefish Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds with a variety of investment options, allowing you to choose the vehicle best suited to you and your philanthropic goals.
We are a public charity under IRS code 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), all donations are eligible for an immediate tax deduction of up to 60% of your adjusted gross income for cash, and some contributions may qualify for a larger tax deduction than those to other charitable entities like private foundations.
With all of our funds, we handle the due diligence, issue the grant checks, and provide you with assistance through a wide range of services.
Donor Advised
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. 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.
designated fund
A designated fund is an advised fund whose beneficiary organization(s) have been specified by the donor(s) at the time of the gift. Income from the fund, and in some cases principal, is distributed in accordance with the instructions provided at the time of the gift. Designated Funds are a useful charitable tool to help specific nonprofits with programs or ongoing capital needs.
ENDOWMENT FUND
Nonprofit organizations and individuals can establish an endowment fund at the Whitefish Community Foundation to help build essential program funding and long-term charitable giving. These funds offer the nonprofits a simple and efficient way to work with donors to build an endowment and create long-term sustainability. The endowment fund provides annual support for the work of a local nonprofit.
memorial fund
A Memorial Fund can be established in memory of a loved one. It is a designated fund whose beneficiary organization(s) have been specified by the donor(s) at the time of the gift. Income from the fund, and in some cases principal, is distributed in accordance with the instructions provided at the time of the gift. Endowing a designated fund allows it to be a long term source of annual support.
legacy fund
A Legacy Fund is a Designated Endowment Fund named by you, that allows you to direct your bequest to the nonprofits that are aligned with your interests and passions. You set up a bequest in your will to go to your Legacy Fund. Once funded, your gift will provide an annual distribution to your selected charities in perpetuity. It is a wonderful way for you to leave a legacy to your community and be remembered for it.
scholarship
A scholarship fund can be set up by a corporation, family, or individual. It is meant to be an endowment fund. The annual distribution funds a scholarship program to a specific school or to support individuals studying in a specified area. Scholarships can also be set up to be very broad based or streamlined to be fairly focused. A scholarship committee appointed by the Community Foundation will oversee the application and awards.
Whitefish Community Foundation
Allocation of Funds
- Donor Advised 44%
- Permanent Endowments 37%
- Agency 7%
- Designated Funds 6%
- DPGA 5%
- Scholarship 1%

Low administrative Fees
Our low, competitive, annual administrative fee covers the costs of processing transactions, grant due diligence, and administration.

Flexible investment options
We offer several investment options to help grow your fund over time and achieve your charitable giving goals. Your gift will grow tax-free.

professional investment management
Our assets are under the professional management and responsible oversight of Mason Investment Advisory Services.

WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU TO CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS AND HELP WITH THE CAUSES YOU CARE ABOUT.
When you are ready to begin, we are here to help you make a difference.
Alan Davis – President/CEO
alan@whitefishcommunityfoundation.org
(406) 863-1781
Daria Perez – CFO
daria@whitefishcommunityfoundation.org
(406) 863-1781