For the third consecutive year, Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) received the largest amount of Innovative Educational Tax Credits in Montana, totaling $1,008,000 for 2026.
At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we’re proud to continue supporting GFPS and the students and families who rely on a strong public school system. Attorney Anders Blewett dedicated countless hours to helping GFPS raise these donations, continuing our firm’s longstanding commitment to supporting local public education.
Since November 2023, our team has helped raise approximately $3 million in tax credit donations for GFPS, including more than $620,000 in contributions personally made by Anders Blewett, Drew Blewett, and Alexander (“Zander”) Blewett III.
GFPS officials have credited Anders’ leadership and community outreach as a key driver of local participation in the program. Speaking at the January 26, 2026, GFPS board meeting, Anders emphasized what this effort represents beyond the numbers:
“This community came together and I think sent a very loud message to the state that we here in Great Falls believe in education.” He also noted that reaching the district’s tax credit totals over the life of the program would not have been possible “but for an organized, conscientious effort.”
How the Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit Works
Montana’s Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit allows taxpayers to make a cash contribution to eligible public school districts and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on Montana state income taxes, subject to program rules and limits. Individuals and companies can contribute up to $200,000 per year, and married taxpayers filing jointly may be eligible for up to $400,000.
The program is subject to a statewide cap, and credits are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis once the claiming window opens. GFPS asks participants to provide a check or cashier’s check to the district in advance (the district cannot accept credit card payments for this program).
2026 Claiming Results
For 2026, the statewide cap increased to $7.2 million, and GFPS reported being eligible for up to $2.88 million. GFPS mobilized record participation this year but the statewide credits were claimed within minutes after the window opened leaving some donors unable to register their contributions.
How GFPS Plans to Use These Funds
GFPS has identified a number of student-focused initiatives supported by Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit funds, including:
- Restoring and expanding field-trip experiences tied to grade-level curriculum that were reduced during prior budget cuts
- Continuing the remodel of the former Great Falls High shop area into a districtwide enhanced learning center serving schools across the district
- Supporting a specialized athletic mental health program
- Expanding opportunities tied to summer learning programs and experiential education
These projects reflect what the program is designed to support: innovative, student-centered learning opportunities that strengthen public education at the local level.
Our History of Supporting Great Falls Public Schools
Our firm’s support for GFPS extends well beyond this tax credit effort. Our lawyers at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC have a long history of investing in Great Falls students and school programs, including:
- Drew Blewett previously serving as Board Chair of the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation
- Alexander (“Zander”) Blewett III providing funds for the design and construction of the Great Falls High School wrestling room, built in 1998
- The Blewett Family Scholarship, awarded annually to graduating seniors of Great Falls High School since 1994
We view this work as part of a broader commitment to the community that shaped our family and our firm and to ensuring that today’s students have access to meaningful opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
We’re proud to support GFPS and the Great Falls community efforts that helped the district lead Montana again. For taxpayers interested in participating in future cycles, GFPS shares information about the Innovative Education Program Tax Credit on its website.