Over $750,000 was awarded at the 2014 Community Grant Awards Presentation!
The Whitefish Community Foundation set a new record high in giving to local nonprofits through the 2014 Community Grant Program. Just over $257,000 was distributed to a record 74 nonprofit organizations this year. This is over $60,000 more in funding from the Foundation's annual grant program and compares to the $191,000 distributed last year during the November Awards Ceremony.
Over half of the nonprofit grant requests received 100% of the requested amount. Awards ranged from $500 to $6,000 from the competitive grant program. Funding for the Foundation's granting programs comes from donors in the Circle of Giving, the annual Whitefish Duck Derby, the Summer Art Social, and interest from the Foundation's growing Permanent Endowment Fund.
In addition to the Foundation's Community Grant Program Awards, the Foundation also presented grants totaling $493,000 from nine of its Donor Advised Funds to local nonprofits during the evening. In all, over $750,000 was awarded.
Presented to the Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol
Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol Received the 2014 Doris Schumm Community Spirit Award
Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol received the The Doris Schumm Community Spirit Award that included a $1,000 grant. The award is selected each year by the Board of Directors with guidance from the Grants Committee and Doris Schumm's daughter. Previous recipients include Whitefish Lake Institute, Whitefish Legacy Partners, Gacier Nordic Club and the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation.
The award is in memory of Doris Schumm, a past member of the Community Foundation Board of Directors who organized a bequest to the Foundation before the Community Foundation even existed.
The recipients of this award are selected each year based on their contribution to the Whitefish community. Organizations that hold values that are in line with what Dorie valued most during her life are considered. Congratulations Flathead Valley Nordic Backcounty Patrol. Thank you for all you do in our community.
2014 Great Fish Award
Whitefish Figure Skating Club
Whitefish Figure Skating Club Received the Great Fish Award for work on Stumptown Ice Den. Pictured above: (left to right) Gregg Esakoff, Yvonne Esakoff, Carol Anderson, Jennifer Burrough, Chad Goodwin and Bethany Goodwin
The Whitefish Figure Skating Club was presented with the Great Fish Award at the November 6th Awards Ceremony. The club was selected for this honor that includes a $1,000 grant because of their work to improve the energy efficiency of the Stumptown Ice Den.
The Figure Skating Club embarked on a fundraising campaign in March of 2014 to raise the money needed to renovate the ice arena and make it more affordable to stay open longer in the hot summer months.
The First Annual Russ and Mary Jane Street Community Service Award
Whitefish Lake Institute
Whitefish Lake Institute Received the 1st Annual Russ and Mary Jane Street Community Service Award for their work in monitoring Whitefish Lake for invasive species.
A new honor was created this year to recognize an organization that has done a tremendous service to the community. This honor has been named in memory of Russ and Mary Jane Street who were native residents of Whitefish and left a bequest to the Community Foundation. The Streets were instrumental in the beginnings of the Whitefish Mountain Resort at Big Mountain, owned Street's Meats in downtown Whitefish, and were part of the original "Dirty Dozen" that began the Whitefish Winter Carnival.
The 2014 recipient of the Russ and Mary Jane Street Community Service Award is Whitefish Lake Institute. The Institute was chosen for this recognition because of its work monitoring Whitefish Lake for invasive species and promoting awareness of it through the Inspect - Clean - Dry Campaign. This new award comes with a $1,000 grant. Mike Jenson, the nephew of Russ and Mary Jane Street presented the first annual award to Whitefish Lake Institute.
Whitefish Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering philanthropy, building endowments and helping donors and nonprofits benefit our community.
We are a family of funds, responsibly managed and maintained. By providing superior donor services, flexible charitable giving options and prudent investment alternatives, the Community Foundation is here to help you support all the causes you care about.
We celebrate over $12 Million in Community investments in Whitefish over 13 years and $13 Million in Assets.
100% of your donation will go to local nonprofit organizations.
