Whitefish foundation activates emergency fund for nonprofits

Whitefish Community Foundation’s Board of Directors announced today the activation of a Community Emergency Response Fund to support local nonprofits that are helping those directly impacted by COVID-19.

Funding will address the unexpected needs impacting our local families. As a preparedness measure, the foundation has committed an initial $150,000 to this fund and additional funding is already coming in.

“We anticipate the community need may ultimately be significantly greater and we call on you for your support,” Whitefish Community Foundation Linda Engh-Grady said. When needed, the foundation will rapidly deploy grants from this program to enable nonprofits the ability to focus on providing vital assistance and preparing for frontline services to address the coronavirus affecting Whitefish and surrounding communities.

The preemptive steps that are being taken ahead of the onset of COVID-19 demonstrate the community’s strong partnerships and resiliency. The foundation will make resources quickly available and not burden nonprofit organizations on the frontlines of the pandemic with a formal application process. Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues.

“We stand together in this situation. We know many families will be affected with unforeseen hardships due to school closures, social distancing, financial instability, and voluntary self-isolation,” said Engh-Grady.

For more information on making a donation to the COVID-19 Community Emergency Response Fund visit whitefishcommunityfoundation.org or call Linda Engh-Grady at 406-863-1781. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 1060, Whitefish, Montana 59937.

Nonprofits should contact Lynnette Donaldson at contact@whitefishcommunityfoundation.org for questions and assistance on how to apply for COVID-19 Community Emergency Response Funding.