Days Left untiil the start of the 2022 Great Fish Community Challenge

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Giving Together creates Impact

$17 MILLION RAISED FOR FLATHEAD VALLEY NONPROFITS SINCE 2015!

2022 GREAT FISH COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

AUGUST 4 – SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

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PARTICIPATING CHARITIES

The Great Fish Community Challenge is a six-week fundraising campaign that inspires community-wide giving and builds awareness about the critical work of Flathead Valley nonprofits. The Challenge brings the community together through a high-profile, collectively beneficial event. Since 2015, the Great Fish Community Challenge has raised over $17 million for more than 75 local nonprofit organizations. Whitefish Community Foundation organizes the Challenge free of charge for qualifying nonprofits. The 2022 Challenge has 70 participating charities. The campaign will “Launch” on August 4 and ends on September 16.

MATCH

Whitefish Community Foundation will provide a percentage match on the first $20,000 raised by each participating nonprofit through the 2022 Great Fish Community Challenge. Matching funds come from the Foundation’s Circle of Giving, and from donors who make a gift to the Great Fish Match Fund. A gift to the Match will benefit all 70 participating charities.

DONATE

Donations to the Challenge can be made by check, credit card, IRA rollover, and more. Donations are accepted online here starting August 4. You can download a copy of the official donation form here if you do not receive one in the mail. Use the official donation form to donate by check. Call us to make a donation of stock. Read more on how to donate.

2022 GREAT FISH COMMUNITY CHALLENGE PARTICIPATING NONPROFITS

ABBIE SHELTER

Use of Funds: Your gift will lift up survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking,
and teen-dating violence by supporting these vital programs: 24-hour helpline, court advocacy, emergency
shelter, mental health care, and community education.

AMAZING PLACE MUSIC

Use of Funds: Amazing Place Music produces and presents internationally known artists in concerts
and educational musical events that will enhance the community and inspire the residents of the
Flathead Valley.

BACKPACK ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Use of Funds: Funds will improve the wellbeing of our school-age community members who are subject to
food insecurity by providing nutritious supplemental food during the weekend and on school closure days.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS NW MONTANA

Use of Funds: Funds will support general programs that provide children facing adversity with strong and
enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

BIGFORK ART AND CULTURAL CENTER

Use of Funds: Funds will be used to provide dynamic, innovative learning programs at the center and
through outreach that fosters creative growth and inspiration for youth.

BOB MARSHALL WILDERNESS FOUNDATION

Primary Use of Funds: Funds will help hard-working volunteers of all ages develop a land ethic and give
back to the wilderness by opening trails, restoring heavily used areas, maintaining historic structures, and
fighting weeds in The Bob.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation
Permanent Endowment held at Whitefish Community Foundation.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GLACIER COUNTRY

Use of Funds: Funds will support high-quality after-school programming for Columbia Falls students in
grades K-12 and operations and programming in Evergreen for youth in grades K-8.

CASA FOR KIDS

Use of Funds: Funds will provide CASA/GAL Child Advocacy to foster children in Flathead. This includes
monitoring the child’s placement, needs, and well-being, and making recommendations to the court regarding
the child’s best interests.

CENTER FOR RESTORATIVE YOUTH JUSTICE

Use of Funds: CRYJ works with Flathead Valley teens, families, justice agencies, and school discipline teams
to reduce youth involvement with the legal system, interrupt cycles of harm, repair trust, promote accountability,
and foster community connections.

CHILD BRIDGE

Primary Use of Funds: Hundreds of children in the Flathead Valley experience abuse and neglect. There
aren’t enough foster families to care for them. Your gift will help recruit more families and equip them to
successfully care for these children.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support the Child Bridge Permanent Endowment
Fund held at Whitefish Community Foundation.

CODE GIRLS UNITED

Use of Funds: Funds will support the creation and delivery of in-person/hybrid programs that will enable
satellite staff to serve as monitors rather than instructors.

CONRAD MANSION

Use of Funds: Funds will preserve and exhibit the 1895 Charles Conrad Family Estate in Kalispell through
public tours, educational programs, and community events.

CRESTON FIREFIGHTER'S ASSOCIATION

Use of Funds: Funds will purchase firefighter and EMT protective gear as well as rescue and highway safety
equipment. Funds will also support training for emergency personnel and fire prevention, CPR, and pediatric
safety education to the public.

DREAM ADAPTIVE RECREATION

Use of Funds: Funds will enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, including military veterans, by
providing over 1,000 year-round outdoor recreational opportunities, such as skiing, snowboarding, nordic
skiing, mountain biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and other water sports.

FLATHEAD AREA MOUNTAIN BIKERS

Use of Funds: Flathead Area Mountain Bikers works to preserve and advance mountain biking in the Flathead
through professional trail building and maintenance efforts on public lands, trail advocacy for mountain
biking and multi-use trails, and community mountain bike skills clinics.

FLATHEAD AUDUBON SOCIETY

Use of Funds: Funds will support innovative K-12 and adult nature education programs, focusing on the
beauty and value of birds to our ecosystem, community, and culture.

FLATHEAD COUNTY SHERIFF'S POSSE

Use of Funds: Funds will enable Flathead County Sheriff’s Posse to support local law enforcement organizations
by responding to emergency calls, providing a presence at public events, and hosting programs at the
Posse building.

FLATHEAD FOOD BANK

Use of Funds: Funds will allow the Flathead Food Bank to continue to meet the growing demand for
food distribution services in the Flathead Valley by providing support for our food pantry in the Gateway West Mall.

FLATHEAD LAND TRUST

Primary Use of Funds: Funds will help Flathead Land Trust work with partnership organizations to create
a 4.5-mile non-motorized trail system for the public and permanently conserve 236 acres of forestland in
Bigfork’s backyard.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support Flathead Land Trust’s work to protect our
spectacular land and water legacy in the Flathead Valley through community-based conservation.

FLATHEAD RAPIDS YOUTH SOCCER

Use of Funds: Flathead Rapids Youth Soccer is dedicated to providing local communities with affordable,
high-quality soccer programs that focus on player development as well as personal growth.

FLATHEAD VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

Use of Funds: The mission of the FVCC Foundation is to support scholarships, academic programs and
learning facilities at Flathead Valley Community College.

FLATHEAD VALLEY SKI FOUNDATION

Use of Funds: Funds will support this valley-wide community-based youth organization dedicated to the promotion of athletic, academic, and personal excellence through educational and competitive programs in skiing.

FLATHEAD WARMING CENTER

Use of Funds: Funds will support Flathead Warming Center’s mission to save lives, link resources, and encourage dignity through low-barrier access to a warm, safe place for those in need.

FLATHEAD YOUTH HOME

Use of Funds: Youth who come to the Flathead Youth Home have experienced enormous challenges in their short lives: abuse, neglect, mental health issues, and chemical dependency. We are here to offer hope and support as we walk with them on their path to healing.

FOY'S TO BLACKTAIL TRAILS

Primary Use of Funds: Foy’s to Blacktail Trails plans, builds, and maintains the sustainable multi-use trail system throughout Herron Park and forest lands connecting to Blacktail Mountain.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support the Foy’s to Blacktail Trails Permanent Endowment Fund held at Whitefish Community Foundation.

FRIENDS OF THE FLATHEAD AVALANCHE CENTER

Primary Use of Funds: In a region bursting with winter recreation, flatheadavalanche.org is where people find life-saving information. Help FOFAC upgrade this vital site, so daily avalanche forecasts and education reach more people who live and play here.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support Flathead Avalanche Center and save lives through avalanche education.

GATEWAY TO GLACIER TRAIL

Use of Funds: Gateway to Glacier Trail builds and maintains local trails, and is currently focused on building a new 25-mile network of multi-use trails north of Columbia Falls for the community to enjoy.

GLACIER INSTITUTE

Use of Funds: Funds will support Restoration Big Creek, a campaign to bring this legendary, historic ranger station back from years of heavy use and restore the guest cabins to safe, welcoming spaces for many more years of life-changing youth camps.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK CONSERVANCY

Use of Funds: Funds will support Glacier National Park’s citizen science program, which promotes science literacy and gives visitors and numerous student youth groups the chance to gather critical data and conduct first-hand research and surveys for the park.

GLACIER NORDIC CLUB

Primary Use of Funds: Funds will support winter recreation and community health through youth programs, cross country ski lessons for all ages, scholarships, affordable rentals, winter grooming, and trail maintenance.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support the Glacier Nordic Club Permanent Endowment Fund held at Whitefish Community Foundation.

GLACIER SKATE ACADEMY

Use of Funds: Glacier Skate Academy fosters a lifelong love of ice skating and impacts our community with fun, healthy, active, competitive

GLACIER SYMPHONY & CHORALE

Use of Funds: Glacier Symphony & Chorale’s mission is to provide a diverse range of excellent musical
experiences in the Flathead Valley that inspire, challenge, and educate our musicians, audience, and
students.

GOOD GRIEF GROUP

Use of Funds: Funds will support programs that partner volunteers with children, teens, and families to navigate the journey of grief and the continuation of life by combining the healing elements of nature with activities that provide a safe outlet for the expression of a child’s grief.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF FLATHEAD VALLEY

Use of Funds: Funds will support the mission of Habitat for Humanity to build safe and affordable homes for deserving families throughout the Flathead.

HOCKADAY MUSEUM OF ART

Use of Funds: Funds will support the Hockaday Museum of Art’s mission to enrich the cultural life of our community and region, and preserve the artistic legacy of Montana and Glacier National Park through innovative art exhibitions, programs, and events.

HOUSING WHITEFISH

Use of Funds: Housing Whitefish advocates, creates, and plans for a sustainable supply of housing that
everyone in our community can afford.

HUMANE SOCIETYOF NORTHWEST MONTANA

Primary Use of Funds: Funds will support the life-saving animal adoption program to give homeless cats and dogs a second chance at a healthy life by ensuring that all orphaned pets are healthy, vaccinated, microchipped, and unable to reproduce when adopted.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support the Humane Society of NW MT Permanent Endowment Fund held at Whitefish Community Foundation.

IMMANUEL FOUNDATION

Use of Funds: Funds will help provide safe homes in vibrant communities to Flathead Valley seniors in need.

KALISPELL EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Use of Funds: The Kalispell Education Foundation seeks to support all Kalispell Public School students through teacher-driven classroom enrichment.

LAND TO HAND

Use of Funds: The mission of Land to Hand is to build a strong community food system that fosters socially just ways of accessing food. We achieve this through nourishing people and connecting the community.

LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN HOME & SERVICES

Use of Funds: As a state licensed residential group home for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Lighthouse Christian Home develops life skills, farm skills, socialization and integration to prevent isolation of this underserved population.

LOGAN HEALTH FOUNDATION

Primary Use of Funds: Funds will help purchase a School-Based Mobile Health Clinic to provide physical and mental healthcare to Flathead Valley youth.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support the vision and mission of Logan Health by converting our donors’ generosity into the finest in medical excellence.

LOGAN HEALTH FOUNDATION WHITEFISH

Primary Use of Funds: Funds will purchase equipment to perform Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) at Logan Health–Whitefish to improve care for patients recovering from life-threatening illness.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support the Logan Health Permanent Endowment Fund held at Whitefish Community Foundation.

MONTANA CONSERVATION CORPS

Use of Funds: Montana Conservation Corps inspires young people in the Flathead Valley through hands-on conservation service to be leaders, stewards of the land, and engaged citizens who improve their local
communities and nearby public lands.

MONTANA KAYAK ACADEMY

Primary Use of Funds: Funds will purchase a passenger van to transport youth students to and from the river and other practice locations.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will provide free, certified whitewater kayak instruction to youth, instilling confidence, respect, and river stewardship.

NATE CHUTE FOUNDATION

Use of Funds: Nate Chute Foundation empowers our community to reduce suicide and suicide attempts by providing education, resources, and connections for responding to our friends and neighbors experiencing mental health challenges.

NORTH VALLEY FOOD BANK

Use of Funds: North Valley Food Bank builds food security and strengthens communities by providing food assistance to 700-850 people weekly through the free grocery store, drive-thru distribution, mobile pantries and deliveries in the northern Flathead and neighboring communities.

NORTH VALLEY MUSIC SCHOOL

Primary Use of Funds: North Valley Music School enriches our Montana communities through music education, appreciation, and performance by providing musical opportunities to all ages.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support the North Valley Music School Permanent Endowment Fund and Scholarship Fund held at Whitefish Community Foundation.

NORTH WEST MONTANA VETERANS FOOD PANTRY

Use of Funds: Funds will support social services and case management for veterans and their families in Flathead County, connecting them to community resources for long-term solutions to poverty. The pantry and medical equipment program will continue to meet basic needs and provide peer support.

NORTHWEST MONTANA COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

Use of Funds: The mission of Northwest Montana Community Land Trust is to provide permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income families throughout the Flathead Valley. Funds raised will create affordable housing and housing solutions.

NORTHWEST MONTANA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Use of Funds: The Museum leads the region in sharing the history of Northwest Montana with local
residents and visitors. Funds will support Museum exhibits and programs, educational outreach, online
resources, volunteerism, and the continued preservation of the past.

PROJECT WHITEFISH KIDS

Primary Use of Funds: Project Whitefish Kids improves and maintains high quality youth soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and softball facilities at Smith Fields for over 1,300 local athletes, as well as recreational facilities including a playground, picnic pavilion, and future pickleball courts.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support the Project Whitefish Kids Permanent Endowment Fund held at Whitefish Community Foundation.

RAVENWOOD OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER

Use of Funds: Ravenwood’s mission is to cultivate health, passion for learning, and stewardship of ecological and human communities through nature-based mentoring of youth, families, and adults in the communities we serve.

SAMARITAN HOUSE

Use of Funds: Samaritan House provides shelter and basic needs for homeless people, while fostering self-respect and human dignity. Our clients are homeless not hopeless. We are working together with clients and community to solve homelessness.

SHEPHERD'S HAND

Primary Use of Funds: Shepherd’s Hand supports and improves the health and wellbeing of those in need through a weekly medical and dental clinic and newly launched caregiving respite and friendly visiting services.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support the Shepherd’s Hand Permanent Endowment Fund held at Whitefish Community Foundation.

SPARROW'S NEST OF NW MT

Use of Funds: Sparrow’s Nest of NW MT is dedicated to ensuring safe, supportive housing and resources for unaccompanied homeless high school students in the Flathead Valley, enabling them to graduate from high school and become productive members of our community.

STUMPTOWN ART STUDIO

Primary Use of Funds: Stumptown Art Studio provides a place where children and adults may come to express their inherent creative nature; to learn about the world of art and its capacity to make whole the individual, enriching the community and beyond.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will support the Stumptown Art Studio Permanent Endowment Fund held at Whitefish Community Foundation.

TAMARCK GRIEF RESOURCE CENTER

Use of Funds: Tamarack Grief Resource Center strengthens and honors individuals, families, and communities throughout their journey with grief. Flathead Valley programs include grief support, grief education,
and counseling.

THE NURTURING CENTER

Use of Funds: Funds raised will support childcare expenses for families that do not qualify for federal scholarships and for items needed to provide care and resources to children, including diapers, wipes, hygiene products, formula, car seats, and safety equipment.

WHITEFISH COMMUNITY CENTER

Use of Funds: Funds will support Meals on Wheels delivery, fitness classes, social dining and much more! Keeping the community connected at YOUR gathering place.

WHITEFISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Use of Funds: Your gift will support all of Whitefish Community Foundation’s grant programs, allowing us to deliver crucial funding, build endowments, and provide educational programs that support and strengthen our local nonprofit community.

WHITEFISH DOG PARK

Primary Use of Funds: Funds will support the construction of a new, paved path that will add 600 linear feet of all-weather walking surface to the 1.5 acre south section of park, as well as resealing the existing paved paths at the main park.
Secondary Use of Funds: Additional funds raised will be used to upgrade and maintain the Hugh Rogers Whitefish Dog Park, ensuring a safe environment that maximizes functionality and enjoyment of the park for Flathead Valley residents, visitors, and their beloved canine companions.

WHITEFISH FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

Use of Funds: The Whitefish Firefighters Association serves the health, safety, and well-being of first responders by reducing exposures, improving protection, and supporting the mental health of firefighters who risk everything to protect our lives and community.

WHITEFISH LAKE INSTITUTE

Use of Funds: The Whitefish Lake Institute is committed to science, education, and aquatic resource initiatives to protect and improve Whitefish Lake and Whitefish area water resources today, while providing a collective community vision for tomorrow.

WHITEFISH LEGACY PARTNERS

Use of Funds: Funds will support our mission to secure conservation, recreation, and education opportunities
on the lands around Whitefish Lake for future generations including the next phase of the Whitefish Trail
to permanently protect and connect Smith Lake.

WHITEFISH REVIEW

Use of Funds: Whitefish Review publishes art and literature that explores the landscapes of the human
condition, our connection to the natural world, and illuminates the confluence of art, storytelling, society,
and science.

WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Use of Funds: Whitefish School District Education Foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational
opportunities for all Whitefish Public School students. Funds raised will help preserve and cultivate innovative
programs and projects to enrich academic, social and emotional learning for K-12 students.

WHITEFISH THEATRE COMPANY

Use of Funds: Funds will be used to present quality theatre, music, and special events to engage our community
in the arts, as well as support free theatre and music outreach performances for students, seniors,
and other underserved populations.

WHITEFISH VETERANS SUPPORT TEAM

Use of Funds: Funds raised will empower injured veterans, active duty personnel, caregivers and their families
through opportunities to build meaningful relationships and engage them in physically and emotionally
challenging activities to advance healing, growth and resiliency.

WINGS REGIONAL CANCER SUPPORT

Use of Funds: Wings Regional Cancer Support provides monetary support to local cancer patients to help
offset travel expenses associated with active treatment.

2021 GREAT FISH COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

2021 Great Fish Community Challenge Final Report

Click here for a comprehensive report that includes data about funds raised and thanks the donors who gave to the 2021 Great Fish Community Challenge.