GPCF Ski ClubLast October, the GPCF directors announced the exciting news of a $50,000 Challenge Grant that, if donors could match it, would add a total of $100,000 to the permanent endowment fund.

The anonymous donor of the Challenge Grant graciously allowed three years for GPCF donors to raise the matching $50,000. However, GPCF directors set the goal of raising the match by August so this achievement could be announced at the annual GPCF “Passion for Polson Celebration” scheduled for Aug. 7.

With that plan in place, a letter announcing the Challenge Grant was mailed to donors, and a bit later, the lead article in the November newsletter, LEGACY, featured this opportunity to make a dramatic addition to the permanent endowment.

Much to the amazement and delight of the GPCF board of directors, enthusiasm quickly built and checks from donors came pouring in. The result? The directors are thrilled to make an early announcement that as of March 31, 2015, a total of $54,895 has been donated to the Challenge Match fund and the GPCF permanent endowment fund balance now totals $540,000.

This means that earnings from the endowment will increase and an estimate of $70,000 more will be available for grants made in the next 10 years. It also is an example of the astounding generosity of the Challenge Grant donor and the belief he/she has in the future of the Polson community as well as the potential of the Greater Polson Community Foundation.

The quick response from donors reflects their commitment to the goal of making Polson “the gem of Flathead Lake.”