Big Hearts

Making a Difference One Family at a Time
MOGA

Big Hearts under the Big Sky

Big Hearts under the Big Sky is a charitable program of the Montana Outfitters & Guides Education Institute, a 501(c)3 Charitable organization. The program was launched in 2007, Big Hearts Under the Big Sky provides high-quality therapeutic outdoor adventures—all at no cost—to those who have provided extraordinary services to our country and children who face life-threatening illnesses. Through this program, Big Hearts matches deserving participants with member outfitters to give them a healing, uplifting and memory-making trip in the heart of Montana.
Big Hearts is unique in the way deserving applicants are matched with professional outfitter members who are licensed, insured, have the necessary infrastructure, experience and the ability to provide a high-quality and fully outfitted trip that meets the needs of each individual group, including military veterans or children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.


Monetary donations play a major role in the trips we are able to provide to deserving family, with 90% of all donations directly supporting trip recipients in the field.


The largest fundraiser of the year is the Big Heart Benefit Auction, which will be held on January 18, 2025, at the Delta Hotels Helena Colonial. Tickets go on sale soon!
BIG HEARTS UNDER THE BIG SKY

Your Donation Makes a Difference

“Since its inception, MOGA members have generously donated their time and services to 96 families and groups, positively impacting over 500 individuals. The value of these outfitter donations has exceeded $1,200,000 in adventure trips, showcasing our commitment to giving back to the community.

In 2023 alone, MOGA members provided several unforgettable experiences to 26 Big Hearts nominees and their family members:

  • A 4-day hunt for a Purple Heart recipient and special operations veteran, along with his two sons.
  • A 4-day adventure for a young lady with spina bifida and her family of four, including a helicopter tour, rafting, fishing, and a visit to Yellowstone Park.
  • A 4-day elk hunt for a severely disabled Army veteran.
  • A 5-day trophy elk hunt for a special operations veteran and his family of four.
  • A 5-day backcountry pack trip through the Bob Marshall Wilderness for a special operations veteran and his family of six.
  • A 5-day elk hunt and fishing trip for an Army veteran/ sheriff’s deputy and her family of five.
  • A 5-day trophy mule deer hunt for a special operations veteran and his daughter.

Each of these trips included family participation and support from select Big Hearts Ambassadors, creating cherished memories and providing much-needed respite in their family transformation. Your donations help us continue this vital work, supporting individuals and families who face extraordinary challenges.

Interested in donating?