Governor Gianforte Donates Salary to Mountain Shadow Association in Lodge Grass

Concludes fifth annual 12 Days of Giving

Governor's Office

LODGE GRASS, Mont. - On the twelfth and final day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte today contributed a quarter of his annual salary to Mountain Shadow Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families, restoring parent-child relationships, and supporting community-led healing and addiction recovery in Lodge Grass.

In October 2020, the governor committed to Montanans he would contribute his salary as governor to nonprofit organizations and charities in the state.

"Mountain Shadow Association is helping families heal, reconnect, and build stronger futures together," Gov. Gianforte said. "I am glad to donate a portion of my salary to support their mission and the positive impact they are making for children and families in the community."

Gov. Gianforte presenting a check for a quarter of his annual salary to the Mountain Shadow Association in Lodge Grass

Founded in 2022, Mountain Shadow Association brings together tribal and local leaders to support families experiencing hardship. The organization focuses on restorative practices, cultural revitalization, and programs that build dignity, opportunity, and long-term stability for families and youth. The programs focus on addressing poverty, unemployment, childhood trauma, foster care, addiction, family separation, and recidivism in Lodge Grass and on the Crow reservation.

Its latest project, Kaala's Village, will be the state's first Family Healing Center to provide wrap around childcare services and a nurturing, healing, and safe place for Montanans seeking family restoration while undergoing substance abuse recovery.

Touring the first building constructed on the project site, the governor heard more about the plan for the village that will offer a residence for children and guardians, single-family homes for reunited families, a daycare, and family community center. Hearing from community and tribal members and Mountain Shadow Association board members, Gov. Gianforte heard about the motivations for the project to provide a community-led approach to help parents navigate addiction treatment and recovery while preserving family and cultural ties.

Before concluding the visit, the governor presented a check with a donation to support the organization and the project. The donation represented a quarter of Gov. Gianforte's annual salary. This year, the governor also made donations to The Producer Partnership in Livingston, the NeighborWorks High School House program in Great Falls, and ZoeCare pregnancy support clinic in Bozeman.

"Support like this helps us continue our work walking alongside families who want healing and connection," said Dr. Megkian Doyle, Executive Director of Mountain Shadow Association. "We are grateful for this contribution and for all those who believe in strengthening our community."

Mountain Shadow Association relies on the generosity of Montanans to serve families seeking stability, healing, and hope. Doyle shared the organization has a remaining fundraising goal $300,000 to complete the current construction project by spring. To learn more about the nonprofit and how to donate, visit mountainshadowassociation.org or kaalasvillage.org.

Running through December 17, the governor's fifth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign highlighted the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the fifth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

• On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate.

• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted the Montana Hope Project and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of granting wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

• On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted Underwater Soldiers and encouraged Montanans to support their mission of helping veterans heal while restoring Montana waterways.

• On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for the Threshold of Life memorial to honor the contributions of all organ, eye, and tissue donors in Montana.

• On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his salary to NeighborWorks Great Falls to support workforce and housing opportunities.

• On the 8th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted Friends of the Children Eastern Montana and encouraged Montanans to support its long-term mentorship program for kids.

• On the 9th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his salary to support ZoeCare and its work serving Montana families.

• On the 10th Day of Giving, the governor promoted the SW Montana Veteran Food Pantry, encouraging Montanans to support the organization that provides food and household items to veterans and their families.

• On the 11th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted DEAP to support its work in eastern Montana to provide resources to children with special needs and strengthen families.

• On the 12th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his salary to Mountain Shadow Association to support its work strengthening native families and communities.

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