Helping Columbia Falls students go further.
The Columbia Falls Academic Foundation funds the experiences, tools, and ideas that help local students discover what they are capable of—inside the classroom and beyond it.
AUGUST 11 - SEPTEMBER 11 2026
Give your gift a larger impact
For the first time, CFAF is participating in the Great Fish Community Challenge. Give during the campaign and help unlock additional matching funds for Columbia Falls students.
Big opportunities often begin with one teacher and one good idea.
School budgets cover the essentials. We help make more possible through community-funded educational experiences, equipment, and programs.
$100,000+
invested in Columbia Falls student opportunities during the 2025–2026 school year
2 schools
supported in the Columbia Falls community: Columbia Falls Junior High & High School
Our Programs
Arts & Music
Science & Career Preparation
Helping students create, perform, and build confidence through visual and performing arts.
Supporting hands-on learning, practical skills, and early exposure to future careers.
Academic Growth
Language & Global Learning
Helping students challenge themselves through advanced coursework, competitions, and college-level opportunities.
Expanding students’ understanding of other cultures, perspectives, and the wider world.
FEATURED CAMPAIGN
Play It Forward
Some instruments at Columbia Falls Junior High have been serving students since the 1960s. Together, we can put reliable instruments and safe performance equipment into the hands of the next generation of local musicians.
Phase I brought new wind and percussion instruments, choral risers, and sound equipment to the program. CFAF is now working toward a $65,000 Phase II goal for additional instruments, a choir shell, sheet music, and equipment storage.
Recently Funded Projects
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Speech & Debate
We help students take their ideas, research, and public-speaking skills beyond the classroom through regional and national competition opportunities.
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Model United Nations
Students build research, diplomacy, and communication skills while exploring international issues and representing countries in Model UN.
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Interscholastic Art Workshops
We support workshops and creative opportunities that give students more ways to experiment, develop skills, and express themselves through art.
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Band & Choir
Funding for instruments, equipment, and performance resources helps more students participate fully in music and build confidence through performance.
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Culinary Arts
Hands-on culinary experiences help students build real-world skills, work collaboratively, and explore pathways connected to food and hospitality.
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All State Jazz Festival
We help students participate in experiences such as jazz festivals, where they can perform, learn from other musicians, and grow as artists.
About Us
Our Mission
The Columbia Falls Academic Foundation funds projects and programs that enrich learning at Columbia Falls High School and Columbia Falls Junior High. Our mission is to support academic creativity, expand educational opportunities, strengthen student experiences, and build community support for local schools.
Board of Directors
CFAF is led by a volunteer board that meets monthly to review project proposals, award funding, support fundraising, and oversee foundation finances.
Chair: Kate Foley
Vice-Chair: Alice Wondrak Biel
Treasurer: Kim Wortman
Secretary: Whitney Kross
Members: Laura Fay, Holly McKenzie, Monica Settles
Non-voting members: Josh Gibbs, Ted Miller, Lea Shanks, Hilary Ypma
How CFAF Works
Teachers bring the ideas. Our community helps bring them to life.
1. Teachers identify an opportunity
Educators propose projects, equipment, or experiences that can enrich student learning.
Our volunteer board evaluates proposals based on student benefit and available funding.
2. CFAF board reviews each request
3. Community support makes it possible
Donors help turn strong ideas into real opportunities for Columbia Falls students.
When students have more opportunities, our whole community grows stronger.
Join the parents, educators, businesses, alumni, and neighbors investing in the future of Columbia Falls students.
Ways to Contribute
Online
Donate through the Great Fish Community Challenge portal from August 11 - September 11.
By Check
Make checks payable to Whitefish Community Foundation and write “Columbia Falls Academic Foundation” in the memo line.
Whitefish Community Foundation
PO Box 1060
Whitefish, MT 59937
The Columbia Falls Academic Foundation is a 501(c) non-profit corporation. All donations are tax-deductible.