Great Fish Community Challenge

Geographic Scope: Flathead Valley area (local nonprofits)

Program Description: An annual fundraising campaign that matches donations made to participating nonprofits. The Foundation matches the first $20,000 raised by each nonprofit. In 2017, the match percentage was 48%, providing nearly 50% more funding than nonprofits raised on their own. Nearly all participating nonprofits exceeded $20,000 and received the maximum matching grant.

Campaign Timeline: Campaign typically runs in summer/early fall (e.g., July 20 - October 12 in 2017)

Background: In just three years (through 2017), the Great Fish Community Challenge has raised over $4.5M for more than 45 charities. The Foundation organizes the annual campaign free of charge for participating nonprofits. The cost of the 2017 campaign exceeded $100,000, fully covered by the Foundation and its sponsors to ensure 100% of all donations go to designated charities.

Special Awards: The Challenge includes several special awards:

• Great Fish Award: $5,000 grant to organization demonstrating outstanding commitment, enthusiasm, and creativity
• Biggest Catch Award: $2,500 grant to organization receiving greatest number of donations
• Corporate Citizenship Award: Recognition of businesses encouraging employee giving
• Jingle Contest: $1,000 grant for most creative jingle

Incentive Grants: Throughout the Challenge, the Community Foundation offers incentive grants to participating nonprofits totaling over $15,500 to increase urgency and encourage repeat giving.

Contact:

• Whitefish Community Foundation
• 214 Second Street West
• P.O. Box 1060
• Whitefish, MT 59937
• (406) 863-1781