Community Raises $18.2 Million in 14 Years!

On Wednesday evening, the Community Foundation of Teton Valley hosted the 14th Annual Tin Cup Challenge Awards Ceremony. This beloved community event brought nonprofit leaders, donors, and volunteers together to celebrate the results of the 2021 Tin Cup Challenge.

After recognizing the significant contributions of the Foundation’s Board, staff, and volunteers who support the success of both the Tin Cup Challenge Giving Period and Event Day annually, the Community Foundation’s Executive Director, Tim Adams, announced results to an anticipatory crowd, “This year, we had our most successful Tin Cup Challenge yet, breaking records for the 7th year in a row, crossing a new threshold, and raising an astounding $2,213,670!”

This year’s total funds raised reflects a 25% increase over last year. The Challenger Fund total is aggregated by gifts from Business & Community Challengers, and Friends & Supporters of the Challenge, totaling $831,860, which is an increase of 15% over last year. Designated gifts raised by participating nonprofits brought in an amazing $1,379,851, which is an increase of 32% over last year.

Additionally, a record 1,313 donors were inspired to give during this year’s Tin Cup Challenge – meaning that one in four Teton Valley households participated in charitable giving through the 2021 Tin Cup Challenge. In fourteen years, the Tin Cup Challenge has raised over $18.2 million for the health and well-being of Teton Valley, a community of 11,000+ residents.

Adams reiterated, “In 2020 our community came together to ensure nonprofits could weather the storm. In 2021, you came together to ensure our nonprofits will be here in the good times, as well as the difficult…The individuals you see here tonight illustrate the heart of philanthropy in our community.” The celebration continued as nonprofit representatives picked up their grant checks that included a 55% Matching Grant for the first $25,000 in funds each participating nonprofit raised during the Tin Cup Challenge Giving Period. This year an unprecedented 50% of participating nonprofits reached their giving cap, illustrating the neighborly generosity of Teton Valley residents and awareness for the critical services nonprofits provide.

For the first time, in the history of the Community Foundation of Teton Valley, Challengers and nonprofits gathered, as one community, to celebrate the successes of the 14th Annual Tin Cup Challenge. To reflect the united efforts made throughout the community over the last 18 months, the Community Foundation of Teton Valley upended a longstanding tradition and moved to holding one night of celebration for all of their constituents – Challengers and nonprofits alike. The outdoor event at Moose Creek Ranch was both inspirational and engaging – providing a unique opportunity for nonprofit champions to mingle and celebrate their collective success. Celebrating together created shared joy for the positive impacts this fundraiser has on the community.

The heartwarming gratitude felt during the Awards Celebration is due to the overwhelming support of 219 Business and Community Challengers, 25 Friends of the Challenge, 20 Supporters of the Challenge, and thousands of contributions to participating nonprofits. Without the nonprofits that work tirelessly in our community or the unwavering support of our committed donors, the nonprofit landscape of Teton Valley would be vastly different than it is today. The health of our community is dependent upon the health and vitality of our local nonprofits. Thank you to everyone that made the 14th Annual Tin Cup Challenge our most successful event to date – together we continue to elevate lives through the power of generosity.