Community Foundation announces grant awards for 21 nonprofits
The Whitefish Community Foundation has announced grant awards to 21 nonprofit organizations totaling $62,581 through the spring Community Grant cycle.
Under the revised program, nonprofits were able to request up to $4,000 in funding for projects and programs. The program is open to nonprofits serving the Flathead Valley. Over 38 percent of the grants benefited health and human services, while 25 percent went to conservation and environment focused programs, and another 17 percent to civic projects, according to the foundation.
The grant needs were as varied as they were important and organizations will be able to immediately use the funds for deserving projects. Spring grants were awarded to the following nonprofits:
- Whitefish Firefighters Association $4,500 for a fire truck backup camera
- Big Mountain Firefighters Association $4,333 for the purchase of Sensit Gold G2 gas detector
- Kalispell HEART Program $3,967 to support space utilization and organization at the HEART Locker facility serving kids in need
- Whitefish Community Center $4,000 to support the operations of the senior center
- Flathead County Sheriff’s Posse $4,000 to improve the safety of the new office building that will also serve as a community center for kids after school programs and events in Evergreen
- The Nurturing Center $3,000 to support the Safe Havens supervised visitation program
- Whitefish Area Land Trust/Whitefish Housing Authority $4,000 to purchase two energy efficient, front loading washer and dryer sets
- City of Whitefish Parks and Recreation Program: $4,000 to support the 2019 Stumptown Summer Day camps scholarship program
- The Patrol Fund $2,000 for puppy and handler to attend avalanche rescue dog training school
- WAVE Aquatic and Fitness Center $4,000 to purchase two ADA compliant pool lifts
- Whitefish Performing Arts Center $4,000 to build a small stage in the lobby to accommodate small audiences and performances.
- The Vital Ground Foundation $2,000 to acquire 13 acres of grizzly bear habitat in the Wild River Project area linking the Cabinet and Purcell mountains in northwest Montana
- Montana Conservation Corps $4,000 to enhance parks and recreation sites in and around Whitefish, including along the Whitefish bike path, at City Beach and in Stillwater State Forest as part of the Whitefish Lake Watershed Project
- A Ray of Hope $2,000 for shelter operating support and to complete shelter landscaping per Kalispell City ordinance
- Glacier Children’s Museum $1,581 for mobile outreach program
- Hockaday Museum of Art $2,500 to support “Hear The Whistle Blow! Art of the Railroad” exhibition in fall of 2019
- Climate Smart Glacier Country $2,000 for plastic recycling education and wildfire outreach events
- Whitefish Safe Grad Night $1,500 to support safe graduation evening
- Casting for Recovery $1,200 for breast cancer survivor retreat
- Montana State Parks Foundation $2,000 to improve Wild Horse Island boat landing and trail signage
- Backcountry Horsemen of Montana $2,000 to update website
Whitefish Community Foundation will also offer a fall Community Grant cycle with the application period opening Sept. 19. The program is open to all Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations and charitable programs serving the community.
Whitefish Community Foundation will begin offering a Micro Grant Program June 1. The new program is designed for small projects or programs. 501(c)(3) nonprofits are able to apply for up to $1,000 in funding through this fast track grant program. Applications are reviewed monthly. Nonprofits receiving funding through the Community Grant Program or participating in the Great Fish Community Challenge are not eligible to apply for a Micro Grant.
For more information about Community Grant or Micro Grant program visit whitefishcommunityfoundation.org. or call 406-863-1781.