Whitefish Community Foundation · Our first year
Dive In! Help Us Make a Splash in the Great Fish Community Challenge
Glacier Aquatic Club is proud to be a 2026 participant. From August 11 to September 11, every gift you make to GAC is stretched further by a percentage matching grant from the Whitefish Community Foundation.
Online giving isn’t open yet, check back on August 11, or bookmark this page.
What is the Great Fish Community Challenge?
The Great Fish Community Challenge is a community-wide fundraiser hosted by the Whitefish Community Foundation. Since 2015 it has raised more than $43 million for over 100 local nonprofits. Each year, dozens of organizations invite their community to give during a single campaign that runs from August 11 to September 11. This year, GAC is proud to be a first-time participant.
The best part: the Foundation adds a percentage matching grant on top of what each nonprofit raises, so not only does Glacier Aquatic Club receive 100% of the funds contributed, your donation goes even further. With one gift to the Whitefish Community Foundation, you can support GAC and any number of other local charities and receive a single tax receipt.
Did You Know?
Swimming does more for kids than almost any other sport. Here’s what the research shows.
Sources: CDC and published research on the benefits of youth swimming.
Your Gift Goes Further
Here’s how the match turns your donation into more for GAC swimmers.
You give
Make a gift designated to Glacier Aquatic Club through the Challenge between August 11 and September 11.
The Foundation matches
Once GAC raises $10,000, the Whitefish Community Foundation adds a percentage match on $25,000 we raise, so every dollar you give is worth more.
Our swimmers benefit
The combined total comes back to GAC to support our swimmers, coaches, and programs right here in the Flathead Valley.
The exact match percentage is set by the Foundation after the campaign closes and depends on total giving across all participating nonprofits. In recent years it has ranged from roughly 48% to 53%. Donations are made to the Whitefish Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, which issues your tax receipt.
Key Dates
Giving opens & Launch Party
Giving opens at 8:00 a.m. Come find our booth at the Great Fish Launch Party, 5:00–7:30 p.m. at Glacier Bank Park! Free food, family fun, and $1,000 raffle grants.
Giving closes
Giving closes at 5:00 p.m. MDT, the last day to make a matched gift to GAC through the Challenge.
Great Fish Awards Ceremony
The Foundation announces final totals and the match percentage at the ceremony at the Wachholz College Center.
Where Your Gift Goes
When you give to Glacier Aquatic Club, you’re investing in life-saving skills and lifelong health for local youth. Your donation goes directly to our non-profit swim team:
Quality Coaching
Experienced, USA Swimming-certified coaches who help every swimmer build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the water.
Up-to-Date Equipment
Modern training and timing equipment that keeps our swimmers safe, prepared, and competitive.
Affordability & Access
Keeping swimming within reach for every family, so cost is never the reason a child can’t join the team.
How You Can Help
Give
Make a matched gift between August 11 and September 11 through the Challenge.
Share
Follow Glacier Aquatic Club and reshare our posts so more families hear about the Challenge:
Spread the Word
Word of mouth is powerful! Tell friends, family, and coworkers why GAC matters and invite them to give during the Challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I donate?
The giving period runs from August 11 at 8:00 a.m. through September 11 at 5:00 p.m. MDT, 2026. This page will link to our giving page once it goes live on August 11.
Is my donation really matched?
Yes, once GAC raises at least $10,000, the Whitefish Community Foundation adds a percentage matching grant on $25,000 we raise. The exact percentage is announced after the campaign closes and depends on total giving across all participating nonprofits.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes. Because your donation is made to the Whitefish Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that hosts the Challenge, it is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and the Foundation will send your receipt.
Is there a minimum gift?
Online gifts are a minimum of $25 per organization. Beyond that, gifts of every size help and count toward our match, they add up to make a real difference for our swimmers.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email us at [email protected] and a board member will be happy to help.
Be part of our first Great Fish Community Challenge
Mark your calendar for August 11 and help us turn your generosity into more for GAC swimmers.
Building competitive spirit and character in swimmers of all ages in the Flathead Valley.
