Gov. Greg Gianforte on donated a quarter of his annual salary to the Mountain Shadow Association in Lodge Grass, marking the twelfth and final day of his fifth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign.
The donation supports the nonprofit’s work strengthening families, restoring parent-child relationships, and advancing community-led healing and addiction recovery efforts in Lodge Grass and on the Crow reservation.
“Mountain Shadow Association is helping families heal, reconnect, and build stronger futures together,” 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.”
In October 2020, Gianforte pledged to donate his salary as governor to Montana nonprofits and charitable organizations.
Founded in 2022, Mountain Shadow Association brings together tribal and local leaders to support families facing hardship. The organization focuses on restorative practices, cultural revitalization, and programs aimed at building dignity, opportunity, and long-term stability for families and youth. Its work addresses challenges including poverty, unemployment, childhood trauma, foster care involvement, addiction, family separation, and recidivism.
The nonprofit’s latest initiative, Kaala’s Village, is planned as Montana’s first Family Healing Center. The project is designed to provide wraparound childcare services and a safe, nurturing environment for families seeking restoration while parents undergo substance abuse treatment and recovery.
During a visit to the project site, Gianforte toured the first completed building and learned more about plans for the village, which will include residences for children and guardians, single-family homes for reunited families, a daycare, and a family community center. Community members, tribal leaders, and Mountain Shadow Association board members described the project’s goal of offering a culturally grounded, community-led approach to recovery that preserves family and cultural ties.
Before concluding the visit, the governor presented a check representing a quarter of his annual salary to support the organization and the Kaala’s Village project.
“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.”
Doyle said the organization has a remaining fundraising goal of $300,000 to complete the current phase of construction by spring. More information about the nonprofit and donation opportunities is available at mountainshadowassociation.org and kaalasvillage.org.
Earlier this year, Gianforte also donated portions of his salary to The Producer Partnership in Livingston, NeighborWorks’ High School House program in Great Falls, and the ZoeCare pregnancy support clinic in Bozeman.
The governor’s 12 Days of Giving campaign, which runs through Dec. 17, highlights nonprofit organizations serving Montanans across the state. This year’s campaign included food, toy, and blood donation efforts, as well as salary contributions to organizations focused on housing, veterans services, health care, child mentorship, and family support.