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What is a Community Foundation?

A community foundation is a local, public charity established to meet future needs in the community by building a permanent endowment fund or "savings account." There are more than 50 community foundations in Montana and over 500 in the United States.

Why do we need a Community Foundation?

  • To attract new financial support for a community "savings account" that will meet current and future needs.
  • It is a vehicle by which people can leave their gifts to benefit the community we all call home.
  • To provide donors maximum flexibility and tax advantages with their charitable contributions.
  • To provide professional management of endowment funds, in which gifts will be permanently invested and the earnings used for local charitable purposes. In addition, other non-profits may deposit their endowment in this investment pool and thereby gain from the expertise of professional investment management and the investment power of combined funds.
  • To have local unrestricted funds that can be allowed to grow and to be used for the special needs of nonprofit agencies, startup funding, special projects, or saved for the "rainy day" needs of the community.

Does the Community Foundation compete with other nonprofits in this area?

  • No, just the opposite. By attracting new and untapped resources, the foundation augments the efforts of other community non-profits.
  • The Foundation serves as a highly visible and credible advocate for philanthropy in the community.
  • The Foundation serves as a catalyst, bringing organizations and individuals together to address community needs and issues.

How is this Foundation different from other nonprofits in this area?

  • The community foundation concept offers a charitable donor a wide variety of ways to support not only today's, but also tomorrow's community needs. A donor's gift may be spread to many local charities, not just one. Larger contributers may elect to establish a Donor Advised Fund managed by the Whitefish Community Foundation.
  • The Whitefish Community Foundation Permanent Endowment Fund will always be here. The fund will grow to provide for the needs of those who follow us, our children and grandchildren - the future of our community