Government and Politics
December 9, 2024
From: Montana Governor Greg GianforteHELENA, MT - On the sixth day of his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today encouraged Montanans to support the Montana Police Protective Association Foundation (MPPAF), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping law enforcement families and supporting Montana communities.
“Now more than ever, it’s essential we support our law enforcement officers and their families to thank them for their work to ensure Montanans are safe,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As we continue our 12 Days of Giving campaign, I hope Montanans will consider a donation for the Montana Police Protective Association Foundation this holiday season to thank them for their support of men and women in uniform and for their work to make our communities stronger.”
Established in 1930 by Montana police officers, MPPA offers advocacy, trainings, and other supports to its registered members. Through the foundation, which was founded in 2005, MPPAF provides scholarships to children of active-duty law enforcement families that are members of the MPPA and monetary assistance to families of law enforcement officers that are injured or killed in the line of duty.
“We appreciate Governor Gianforte highlighting the Montana Police Protective Association Foundation and the work we do to assist all disciplines of Montana law enforcement during their times of need,” said MPPAF Chairman Dan Smith. “Officers across our state sacrifice and serve their communities every day – and we pride ourselves on being there to serve them, and their families, when they need it most.”
With members across Montana, MPPA represents nearly 800 municipal police officers from 28 different agencies across the state. Since its founding, MPPAF has awarded over $95,000 in scholarships, donated nearly $160,000 to nonprofit organizations, and nearly $40,000 in hardship assistance support to Montana law enforcement officers.
Cities across Montana have community-centered chapters for law enforcement officers to collaborate and engage with local organizations through volunteering and financial support. Members of the Billings Police Protective Association invest in local youth sports leagues. President of the Billings PPA, Sergeant Kodi Kaiser said, “Through the association, we showcase how we are more than just law enforcement officers – we are members of the community. We want to help where we can, especially when it comes to youth sports.”
The foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, MPPA members, and the proceeds from the MPPA Montana license plate revenue to fund its scholarships. To learn more and donate to the Montana Police Protective Association Foundation, Montanans may visit mppaf.org.
Running through mid-December, the governor’s fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight 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 contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the United Way of Missoula County.
- On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.
- On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Warriors & Quiet Waters.
- On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor launched the fourth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.
- On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for Montana law enforcement officers and their families through the Montana Police Protective Association Foundation.