Dozen nonprofits receive valentine grants

The Greater Polson Community Foundation celebrated February – “the month of love” – by sending valentines in the form of Trust-Based Grant funds to a dozen local nonprofits.

"Trust-based grants go to organizations with which we have worked for years that are important to our community, have earned our community’s trust, and deserve support for general operations," said Jeanette Phillips, grant chair for the foundation.

Trust-Based Grant applications are offered by invitation only from the GPCF Grant Committee and organizations receiving these funds may still apply for the annual IMPACT Grant cycle. The application process and reporting for these unencumbered grant funds is kept simple.

“Our ‘trust’ reflects confidence in an organization’s board, management and programs,” Phillips said.

This year’s recipients are North Lake County Library, Boys and Girls Club of Flathead Reservation, Flathead Lake International Cinemafest, Polson Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, Mission Valley Live, Miracle of America Museum, Helping Hands, Ninepipes Museum, Women 4 Wellness, Mission Valley Animal Shelter, CASA and the Mission Valley Ice Arena.

The foundation expressed appreciation to the nonprofits for their continued hard work, noting in a press release, “You are the heart of our communities.”

According to long-standing committee person Shauna Rubel, "We expect to renew these Trust grants annually for deserving non-profits and as our experience and awareness of needs grows, we hope, with community support, to invite other organizations to apply for these funds, as well as to increase support for project grants."

Board President Toni Whealon expressed appreciation to the many donors who have made grants totaling more than $1.5 million possible over the past 15 years. An endowment legacy left by John Cowan has helped the foundation nearly double the amounts it initially granted and Whealon said she hopes to see those funds continue to increase into the future.

“We know benefits realized through the generosity of our donors depend on the hard work of nonprofit volunteers and their employees,” Whealon said. “To both donors and our nonprofits we owe deep gratitude."

    Members of the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation express appreciation for a Trust-Based Grant the organization received this month from the Greater Polson Community Foundation. (GPCF photo)