Ways to give
a charitable giving campaign August 10 through September 15, 2023
Stay tuned for more details on the 2023 Challenge!
It is easy to give to multiple charities with just one gift
Donate online
The donation portal will open on August 10, 2023
Donate by mail - Official Donation Form
Official Donation Forms will be mailed out July 30, 2022. To make sure you are on the mailing list please email us.
You will be able to download the Official Donation Form here.
Learn how nonprofits will use the money they raise to make impact
We will produce a Use of Funds brochure to help guide you in your donations. You will be able to find out how nonprofits will be using the money they raise through the Great Fish Community Challenge.
Pop-up Donation Stations and Events
Whitefish Community Foundation will host the following Pop-up Donation Stations during the campaign where you can drop by and donate to your favorite charities:
August 4th – Great Fish Launch Event at Park Side Credit Union, Whitefish, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
August 11th – Pop-up Donation Station at Bigfork Art and Cultural Center, Bigfork, 11:30 to 3:00 p.m.
August 18th – Pop-up Donation Station at First Interstate Bank, Whitefish, 11:30 to 3:00 p.m.
August 25th – Pop-up Donation Station at Columbia Falls Community Market, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
August 26th – Pop-up Donation Station at First Interstate Bank, Kalispell, 9:00 to 1:00 p.m.
September 1st- Pop-up Donation Station at Glacier Bank, Lakeside, 11:30 to 3:00 p.m.
September 8th – Pop-up Donation Station and Fun Run Registration Event at Bonsai Brewing, Whitefish, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
September 10th – Great Fish Fun Run & Community Celebration, Depot Park, Whitefish, 9:00 to 1:00 p.m.
September 13th – Pop-up Donation Station at Glacier Bank, Whitefish, 11:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Donate Using Appreciated Securities
For assistance making a donation using Appreciated Securities during the 2022 Great Fish Community Challenge, contact Whitefish Community Foundation at (406) 863-1781.
Donate Using an IRA Distribution
For assistance making a donation using an IRA Distribution during the 2022 Great Fish Community Challenge, contact Whitefish Community Foundation at (406) 863-1781.
Donate From a Donor Advised Fund
For assistance making a donation through a Donor Advised Fund during the 2022 Great Fish Community Challenge, contact Whitefish Community Foundation at (406) 863-1781.
community donor vs. challenger
What is a Community Donor
A Community Donor gives to one or more participating nonprofits to help the selected charities build up a pool of designated community donations. By donating through the Great Fish Community Challenge during the giving period, the impact of each donor’s gift is augmented through the additional funding provided by the Great Fish Match Fund in the form of a percentage matching grant. At the end of the Challenge, the match is stretched across the amount of gifts raised by the nonprofits - up to $20,000 for each participating nonprofit. The final amount of the percentage match will be announced at the awards event October 17, 2022 at an awards event held on the deck at Whitefish Lake Restaurant.
When the giving period opens, it is easy to become a donor. Simply select your favorite charities, determine how much you wish to give them, and make one donation for the total designated amount. All gifts are made through the Whitefish Community Foundation. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and when pooled together, they create serious impact for each nonprofit.
What is a Challenger
Challengers are individuals and businesses who donate to the Great Fish Match Fund. This money forms the match pool benefiting all participating nonprofits. The Match Fund is used to match the donations of the community. Challengers give a direct gift of any amount to the Great Fish Match Fund.
Challengers can be proud to call themselves community leaders who are helping to promote charitable giving. The Great Fish Community Challenge highlights the tremendous work of local nonprofits and inspires community appreciation for that work.
The Circle of Giving is the core group of donors that seed the Match Fund with the initial $300,000 at the beginning of the year. As more donors join the Circle of Giving, or give directly to the Match Fund, the match grows.
For information about the Great Fish Challenge Match Fund or how to join the Circle of Giving, contact Linda Engh-Grady at 406-863-1781.