Donations flooded the foundation office online, in the mail, or were hand delivered during the final week of the Great Fish Challenge, which concluded last Friday at 5:00 PM. The preliminary total for the nonprofits tallied
$1,136,213. Donations are still being reconciled.
This was an increase of more than $200,000 over last year's numbers and does not include the final match fund. It could be said that it is an increase of $400,000, because in 2015, one nonprofit received a single gift of $200,000 from one individual whereas this year, there was not a single large gift and donations are spread out over all the nonprofits.
Nearly all of the nonprofits succeeded in raising at least $15,000, which is the maximum amount eligible to be matched.
The match total has not been finalized by the Whitefish Community Foundation Board of Directors as match donations are still coming in. The match fund currently stands at $248,000. The 2015 match amount was $209,000 and totaled 53%. Once the match percentage is calculated it will be announced at the Great Fish Challenge Awards Celebration on October 10.
There were numerous new donor's this year that learned how easy it was to give to multiple nonprofits with one check, or with one click online. Check out the success of your favorite nonprofits by
viewing the Leader Board.
Join us to celebrate the conclusion of the Challenge at the
Great Fish Challenge Awards Celebration on Monday, October 10 at Casey's in Whitefish. A reception with no host bar will be held from 5 - 6 PM followed by the unveiling of the match percentage and check presentation to the nonprofits from 6:00 - 7:00 PM.
Several final incentive grants and special awards will be presented during the evening.
Over $10,000 has been awarded so far during Challenge through Incentive and Bonus Grants. Several special awards will be announced, including the
Great Fish Award, the
Russ and Mary Jane Street Community Service Award, the
Doris Schumm Community Spirit Award, and new this year, the
Jean Howard Memorial Award. Each nonprofit receiving one of these special awards will receive $2,500 grant from the Whitefish Community Foundation.
