Local nonprofit groups participating in the Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish Community Challenge fundraising campaign have raised more than $163,000 over the past seven weeks.

 The new venture enables participating nonprofits to earn matching grants for money raised by each group through Sept. 18.

The foundation has set aside $150,000 in a Great Fish Fund that will be disbursed on a percentage match.

The first $15,000 raised by each nonprofit will be considered in the match pool.

Leading the fundraising effort at this point is Glacier Symphony and Chorale with a total of $21,512 raised.

Whitefish Theatre Company is a close second at $19,650, followed by Flathead Shelter Friends at $18,085.

All participating nonprofit groups will receive 100 percent of their donations plus an additional percentage match on the first $15,000 raised. While the nonprofit organizations are raising money, the foundation also is working to increase the Great Fish Fund beyond the $150,000 set-aside. Donors who wish to give money toward the matching grant fund can make gifts to the Great Fish Fund.

The challenge program is designed for one-stop giving. Donors can make out one check to the Whitefish Community Foundation and designate one or more nonprofits to receive the money.

Donor forms are available throughout the summer at the Whitefish Community Foundation office, local downtown businesses, Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and offices of participating nonprofits.

Online donations also will be accepted at www.greatfishchallenge.org.

The campaign culminates with a Community Fair and Fish 5K Color Run on Sept. 12 at Depot Park in Whitefish.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.