Free session looks at how nonprofits can avoid fraud

Flathead Nonprofit Development Partnership has transitioned to Whitefish Community Foundation for 2021. Spring workshops will be virtual, running on the second Thursday of each month.

All sessions will be free of charge, and registration information can be found at www.whitefishcommunityfoundation.org/nonprofit-breakfast-meeting.

The first session Thursday, Jan. 14, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Jan Schweitzer, a certified public accountant with Anderson ZurMuehlen in Missoula will present “Know Fraud to Say ‘No’ to Fraud.” Every nonprofit organization is at risk for fraud. Join this informative session to learn how to protect your organization's assets and reputation by implementing mitigation measures. Schweitzer will discuss real-life scenarios she has encountered over the years and provide best practices to help you formulate practical internal controls.

The 2021 Great Fish Community Challenge will run from Aug. 5 to Sept. 17. Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations are encouraged to learn more about the campaign.

On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Whitefish Community Foundation will hold an informational meeting, which is mandatory for organizations that did not participate in the 2020 campaign, yet anticipate submitting an application to participate in 2021. New eligibility requirements and changes in the application process will be discussed; therefore, the meeting is recommended for previous participants as well. Even young, all-volunteer, or comparatively small-in-scale organizations are encouraged to attend to learn more about this campaign that has raised over $9 million in six years for 68 local charities.

The Community Grant program will accept applications from Jan. 25 to Feb. 25, and organizations may apply once annually for up to $4,000. The Community Grant program helps Whitefish Community Foundation get to know your organization. Applying for a Community Grant is a required stepping stone to the Great Fish Community Challenge.

For more information about all grant programs, including the COVID-19 Community Emergency Response Fund, visit www.whitefishcommunityfoundation.org/communitygrant-programs/.