Foundation awards $750,000 in grants
The giving keeps growing at Whitefish Community Foundation.
Setting a new record, the foundation handed out more than $750,000 in grants to local nonprofits at the annual community grants presentation Thursday at the O’Shaughnessy Center.
Grants were awarded to 74 nonprofit groups across the valley in a blitz of giving that capped the evening.
“We’re very fortunate to have a community that continues to step up,” said Community Foundation board president David Dittman. “We see the giving growing and growing and growing every year.”
Awards ranged from $500 to $6,000 from the competitive grant program. More than half of the grant requests received 100 percent of the requested amount.
“It’s amazing to see every group walk out with a check,” Dittman said.
“The number of nonprofits that apply keeps growing. They all struggle with generating funds. To help them in whatever way we can feels incredible.”
Funding for the Foundation’s grant programs comes from The Circle of Giving, the annual Whitefish Duck Derby, the Summer Art Social, and interest from the Foundation’s growing Permanent Endowment Fund.
Grants from the Donor Advised Funds accounted for $493,000 to local nonprofits.
Whitefish Mountain Resort awarded grants to 15 organizations.
“They’ve been a huge factor in charitable giving in the community,” Dittman said. “Their patron pass program has been very successful. I can’t speak enough about that. They continue to want to help year-in and year-out.”
The Iron Horse Foundation presented a check for $250,000 to Whitefish School District for the new arts and technology wing. The donation helps the school cap fundraising for the facility.
Many organizations were awarded several grants from both the Community Grants Program and the Donor-Advised Funds.
North Valley Food Bank received six grants totaling over $23,000, Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic received over $27,000 and North Valley Hospital Foundation was awarded $26,000.
Programs that benefit the Whitefish School district received over $40,000 from the Whitefish Community Foundation to help fund projects in music, science, wellness, mental health counseling, meals and more.
In all, almost 200 grants were awarded to 74 different nonprofit organizations or school programs.
The Great Fish Award went to the Whitefish Figure Skating Club for its work on the Stumptown Ice Den renovation.
The Doris Schumm Community Spirit Award was presented to the Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol.
Mike Jenson presented a $1,000 grant from the Russ and Mary Jane Street fund to the Whitefish Lake Institute.
Dittman noted the work of the Foundation board throughout the year.
“The board is incredible — everyone steps up,” he said. “Everyone makes a contribution.”
For more information about the Whitefish Community Foundation, visit the website at www.whitefishcommunityfoudation.org or call Linda at 406-863-1781.