In another record-breaking year, donors and Challengers contributed an astounding $975,784 to the 16th annual Challenge for Charities (C4C), the Lander Community Foundation’s community-wide fundraiser.
Fifty-four Lander nonprofits raised $751,184 from 3,626 individual donations—more than $62,000 above the amount raised in 2025. An additional $224,600 was contributed by 118 Challengers to the C4C Matching Fund.
Since 2011, Challenge for Charities has raised $8.86 million for Lander nonprofits, all of which stays in the community. More than $5.4 million of that total has been raised in the last six years alone.
“We celebrated last week with all 54 nonprofits and about 100 community members,” said Lander Community Foundation Executive Director Mary Greene. “Everywhere I looked, conversations were flowing, information was being shared, and everyone was in high spirits. And that was before we disbursed the checks!”
Photo credit: Brad Christensen
“I’m constantly amazed at what LCF’s friends, near and far, give to this community—volunteering their time, sharing their expertise and engagement, and contributing resources to support organizations that provide essential services,” Greene continued. “It’s simply awe-inspiring.”
How Challenge for Charities Works
During the C4C giving period, May 1 through July 10, community members donate to the participating charities of their choice through LCF. This streamlined approach helps nonprofits raise funds while allowing them to stay focused on their missions.
Challengers provide money to the C4C Matching Fund, which adds to the funds raised by participating nonprofits. Depending on the total amount raised by a nonprofit, matching funds can be as high as 60%. For example, a nonprofit that raises $10,000 from donors could receive an additional $6,000 in matching funds.
This year, the 54 participating nonprofits raised $751,184 from individual donors. Combined with the $224,600 contributed to the Challenger Matching Fund, the overall match was approximately 30%.
All C4C funds remain in Lander and are used to support local nonprofit programs, services and projects. In another record-breaking achievement, 26 nonprofits met or exceeded the $10,000 matching cap—four more than last year.
“More nonprofits are raising more money through C4C each year,” Greene said. “They recognize that this is an effective tool for leveraging donations, and they’re becoming more adept at fundraising and promoting their work. This fundraiser works, and programs thrive because of C4C.”
“We’re also seeing more new donors and more individual donations to participating nonprofits. That’s encouraging because it shows that people understand the impact their donations can have when they give through C4C. It’s working!”
“To say that I am impressed and grateful to everyone who participated in C4C is an understatement,” Greene added. “The philanthropic leadership our Challengers provide is remarkable. This fundraiser would not be nearly as successful without their contributions.”
LCF also extends a special thank-you to County10 and KOVE Radio, which collaborated with LCF to provide radio spotlights for participating nonprofits. These spotlights gave community members an opportunity to hear directly about the work of local organizations and helped raise awareness throughout the campaign.
Thank you, County10 and KOVE, for helping shine a light on Lander’s nonprofits!
Photo credit: Nate Shoutis
For more information about the Lander Community Foundation, please visit www.landercommunityfoundation.org, email us at info@landercommunityfoundation.org, or call 307-438-9247.
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