Of the 85 nonprofits participating in the Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish Challenge this year, six of them were selected to take part for the first time.  

The fundraising event, which awarded $6.6 million to 80 nonprofits in the Flathead Valley last year, kicked off on Aug. 12 and will run through Sept. 12.  

One of the nonprofits new to the challenge includes Driving Hope, which was created to provide a used vehicle to those without transportation, as well as provide the help needed to get a vehicle safely back on the road. It serves the entire Flathead Valley. 

Funds raised will support Driving Hope’s mission to provide reliable used vehicles to individuals without transportation and assist those in need with services or support to get their vehicles safely back on the road. 

“Driving Hope is extremely excited to be a part of the Great Fish Community Challenge this year,” said Lacy Bradford, treasurer and board director of Driving Hope. “One of the biggest challenges is getting the word out about Driving Hope.” 

She said the Whitefish Community Foundation is helping to share information about the organization and what it does for the community. 

"Driving Hope started in December of 2020, received its nonprofit status in 2021 and gave away its first vehicle in March of 2022. Since then, we have given away 68 vehicles and will reach the 70-mark next week,” Bradford said. “We have also helped repair around 75 vehicles for those who could not afford to repair their vehicle without our assistance.” 

The Flathead 4-H Foundation empowers youth throughout the Flathead Valley with hands-on projects in trades, science, health, agriculture and civic engagement, providing mentorship, real-world skills, and opportunities to lead while giving back to their communities. 

“The Flathead 4-H Foundation is honored to be part of the Great Fish Community Challenge, which will help us strengthen our volunteer network, bring in skilled instructors, and expand hands-on learning for youth across Flathead County,” said Carol Olson-Erickson, president of the Flathead 4-H Foundation.  

She said the organization has more than 675 youth members and 180 dedicated volunteers. 

“These funds will allow us to reach more youth, support our volunteer mentors, and ensure that every individual has the opportunity to learn, grow and lead,” Olson-Erickson added. 

The Alano Club of Kalispell provides a safe, welcoming space for individuals and families navigating the journey of addiction recovery.  With demand growing for its services, the Alano Club needs to expand. Funds from the Challenge will be used to add additional meeting space and an improved parking area to the facility, which supports more than 1,400 individuals who visit the Club each week for addiction recovery meetings and social gatherings. 

The Columbia Falls Community Market is joining the Challenge to help grow programs in food access, recycling, nonprofit outreach, local music, student art and outdoor play, in order to strengthen community bonds. 

The Discovery Developmental Center in Kalispell aims to build a community of early childhood professionals and families dedicated to creating rich learning environments that support all children. Funds from the Great Fish Challenge will help bridge the funding gap between the cost of care and what families can afford. 

The West Shore Food Bank is completely run by volunteers. It is located in Lakeside and serves residents of the North and West shore of Flathead Lake who live in Kalispell south of 4-corners — Dayton, Elmo, Lakeside, Proctor, Rollins and Somers. It feeds 3,000 neighbors annually. Funds from the Challenge will help the food bank with that task as well as run school and senior programs. It shares surplus food with other food banks to ensure no food is ever wasted.  

To donate to the Great Fish Challenge, go to www.whitefishcommunityfoundation.org.