Lower Flathead Foundation funds youth-oriented organizations

By Maggie Plummer

NINEPIPE - The Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation likes to put its money where its mouth is.

In other words, the foundation is about taking action to help area youth, not just talking about it.

Contributing to the foundation's permanent endowment fund is considered by many to be the best way to help improve the quality of life on the Flathead Reservation.

The foundation's Board of Directors recently approved grant funds for several local organizations, to help with worthwhile projects - most of which involve youth activities.

Board members gathered for an April 12 luncheon at Ninepipes Lodge to distribute the grant funds.

Among the organizations receiving foundation funds for this first quarter of 2007 were the Ronan/Pablo Summer Recreation Program, the Polson Chamber of Commerce, Polson High School's Advanced Placement government class, Polson City Library Family Summer Reading Program, Ronan City Parks Department, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Montana Waterfowl Foundation.

Attending the lunch meeting were board members Mark MacDonald, Dr. Mary Stranahan, Carlene Bockman (Secretary), and Germaine White (President).

All contributions to the foundation's permanent endowment fund are held in perpetuity, and cannot be spent, according to board members. Only the income from the fund's interest is distributed, they explained.

Also, there are no administrative fees for contributions - which are tax deductible.

White commented that the foundation's money "stays right here in our community, and is for our kids."

Among the multitude of youth-oriented projects helped by the foundation are: Polson's summer swimming program; Polson Partnership Project; St. Ignatius Community Action Program; St. Luke fitness program; traditional Indian games committee, to set up a kids' program; St. Ignatius PTA, to build playground facilities; Safe Harbour Battered Women's Shelter, for repairs and a playground; Jocko Valley Library; Flathead Reservation Coalition For Kids; and local literacy programs.

To find out more on how to make a contribution to the foundation's endowment fund, call (406) 676-4110.