Montana’s Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit allows taxpayers to direct their state income tax dollars to support their local public school districts, rather than having their tax dollars go to the state of Montana. Taxpayers who participate in the program are entitled to a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their Montana state income taxes. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we have always been proud supporters of our community through charitable contributions and community-centric events, which is why we are excited to once again support Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) through Montana’s Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit in 2025. We also want to encourage you to consider doing the same.
Last year, our attorneys at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC helped raise $1 million in tax credit donations to benefit Great Falls Public Schools, which was the maximum amount available through the tax credit program! This year, we are aiming to hit seven figures again and obtain as much funding as possible for Great Falls Public Schools. While there is a total of $6.2 million available to public schools statewide, the maximum amount of tax credits that can be directed to the Great Falls School District is $2.4 million.
If you want to use a tax credit donation to benefit Great Falls Public Schools, you can learn more about the program and process by clicking here and visiting the official GFPS website.
Our History of Support for GFPS
When Attorney Anders Blewett of Hoyt & Blewett PLLC first heard of the Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit in the fall of 2023, he sensed a unique opportunity for Great Falls Public Schools and immediately began mobilizing. His first move was in October of 2023 when $68,500 in tax credits became available statewide. Anders Blewett was able to claim $66,000 of the funds (96%) for the Great Falls School District. Emboldened by the initial success, he set his sights on achieving a much larger goal – obtaining the maximum of $1,000,000 for Great Falls Public Schools in January of 2024. With less than three months until the tax credit release date (the limited amount of tax credits are quickly claimed for schools around the state), Anders Blewett along with former Great Falls Mayor Bob Kelly and other community leaders launched a frenzied campaign to spread the word about the Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit and to enlist local individuals to direct their tax dollars to support Great Falls Public Schools. The efforts paid off. When the dust settled, the community of Great Falls rose to the challenge. Thanks to the generosity of 35 taxpayers/couples, of whom we are greatly appreciative, the Great Falls School District secured the maximum $1,000,000 in tax credits and led the state.
Anders was joined by Attorneys Drew Blewett and Alexander “Zander” Blewett III, also of Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, who, together, contributed over $271,000 to the program in January of 2024. Later in October of 2024, when $227,000 in tax credits became available statewide, Anders was able to contribute an additional $29,000 of the available tax credits for the Great Falls School District.
The lawyers at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC have a long history of supporting Great Falls Public Schools. Drew Blewett previously served as the Chair of the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation. Hoyt & Blewett PLLC partner Alexander “Zander” Blewett III provided the funds for the design and construction of the wrestling room at Great Falls High School which was constructed in 1998 and has provided the annual Blewett Family Scholarship to graduating seniors of Great Falls High School since 1994.
"As trial lawyers, we are competitive and committed to helping our community. We are grateful for the impact the Great Falls Public Schools has had on our careers and we want to ensure the next generation of students enjoys the same educational opportunities that we had growing up," Attorney Anders Blewett shared. “The Innovative Educational Tax Credit is an exciting opportunity for taxpayers to make a big difference in the lives of our students by directing their tax dollars to the Great Falls Public School District. If we come together as a community, we can steer up to $2.4 million to the students of Great Falls at minimal cost.”
Our legal team hopes Great Falls can lead the state once again in 2025 by expanding the number of participants, so we can obtain as much of the $2.4 million in tax credits that are available on January 15, 2025.
Brian Patrick, the Business Operations Manager of Great Falls Public Schools, described Attorney Anders Blewett, as “the driving force” in helping the Great Fall School District achieve the milestone of raising $1,000,000 through the Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit in 2024.
How the Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit Helps GFPS
With the funds raised through the Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit, the Great Falls School District aims to restore field trip programs for its elementary students. Previously, budget cuts eliminated essentially all field trip programs. Plans are also in the works to remodel the Great Falls High Shop Area to create a districtwide Innovative Learning Center that promotes STEM education for all K-12 students.
The program represents a unique opportunity to direct your tax dollars to support and strengthen our local public school district and provide it with much-needed funds for Innovative Educational Programs. Please join the attorneys at Hoyt & Blewett PLLC in dropping off a check to Brian Patrick made payable to the Great Falls School District with "Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit" in the memo line prior to Jan 15, 2025.
Attorney Anders Blewett will be personally directing his donation to the Elementary School District because he strongly believes in the value and simplicity of restoring elementary field trips, so you may wish to direct your donation similarly. To make a donation, you will need to fill out a short form, which is available at the link provided above and below. Thank you for your consideration and support.
Please use this link to learn more about making a donation through the Innovative Educational Tax Credit Program to benefit GFPS. If you want more information, Brian Patrick of GFPS is open to all calls. You can also dial (406) 233-1302 and ask to speak to Attorney Anders Blewett about the tax credit program.
Hoyt & Blewett PLLC is in no way offering legal or tax advice regarding Montana’s Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit. Please consult a tax professional before participating in this program.