As part of his fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte marked Giving Tuesday by donating a quarter of his annual salary to Warriors & Quiet Waters, a Bozeman-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones.
In 2020, Governor Gianforte pledged to donate his gubernatorial salary to nonprofit organizations and charities across Montana. Since then, his contributions have supported initiatives addressing critical needs in the state.
“With a mission to give back to our nation’s heroes and help them thrive in post-combat life, Warriors & Quiet Waters provides more than outdoor excursions – they’re transforming lives,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I’m proud to support their efforts to expand and serve more veterans as part of our 12 Days of Giving campaign.”
Founded in 2007, Warriors & Quiet Waters empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their families to lead purpose-driven lives through outdoor experiences such as fly fishing, hunting, and photography. Over the past 16 years, the nonprofit has served more than 1,600 veterans, facilitated over 200 fishing experiences, and engaged over 250 volunteers annually.
This year, Warriors & Quiet Waters launched its Built for More program, a nine-month hybrid course offering veterans the opportunity to develop skills in fly fishing, hunting, or photography while building purpose and community in their post-military lives.
One program participant shared the impact:
“After leaving the military, I hit the lowest point in my life. I lost my purpose, identity, confidence, and worth. I was alone, grappling with trauma that nearly became fatal. Now, I see a clear path to success and fulfillment, with a way forward.”
Despite its success, Warriors & Quiet Waters faces high demand, with over 400 veterans applying to its programs this year—far exceeding its current capacity. CEO Brian Gilman expressed optimism about future growth:
“This year, we could only accommodate a fraction of applicants. Thanks to the generosity of Governor Gianforte and all Montanans contributing to our mission, we’re hopeful to double our capacity by 2028.”
Governor Gianforte’s 12 Days of Giving campaign celebrates Montana-based nonprofits making a difference. His donation to Warriors & Quiet Waters underscores his commitment to supporting Montana’s veteran community and honoring their service.