Greater Polson Community Foundation distributes nonprofit grants

| March 6, 2022 12:10 AM

The Greater Polson Community Foundation’s Grant Committee recently visited our 2022 Trust Grant organizations and presented them grant checks and Valentine cards.

Polson’s nonprofit sector adds tremendous value to our community’s well being. It has for years. Think North Lake County Library, Boys and Girls Club, Mission Valley Aquatics, FLIC, Mission Valley Animal Shelter, Polson Loaves & Fish Food Pantry, Mission Valley Live, Miracle of America Museum, Helping Hands, Ninepipes Museum, Flathead Lakers and others.

Recognizing the importance of these and other organizations, GPCF has added an annual program of Trust-Based Grants that go to organizations with which the Greater Polson Community has worked for years: organizations that are important to our community, have earned our community’s trust, and deserve support for general operations.

Trust-based applications are by invitation only. Organizations receiving trust based funding may still apply for annual project grants. The application process and reporting for TBGs is kept simple. The foundation’s “trust” reflects confidence in an organization’s board, management and programs.

This process requires GPCF grant committee members to interact with nonprofit organizations regularly, to learn and to keep in touch with community needs. The foundation’s purpose is to partner with and encourage organizations in serving Polson’s well being. GPCF has made 28 trust-based grants since we began this process in 2020 for a total of $81,000.

The foundation expects to renew TBGs annually, on application, for deserving nonprofits, with the intention to invite other organizations to apply for trust-based grants, as well as to increase support for project grants.

Foundation members thank the many donors making possible grants totaling more than $1 million over the past decade, in particular the endowment legacy left by John Cowan.

To learn more about how the Greater Polson Community Foundation supports local nonprofits or projects, visit www.greaterpolsoncommunityfoundation.org or call the GPCF at 406-883-4723.