Make Educational Opportunity Possible in Montana
Great news! Montana is a qualified ACE Scholarships state.
ACE Scholarships has served Montana families since 2012, helping thousands of students access educational opportunities that work best for them. Now, Montana has also opted into the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), creating a new opportunity for eligible students and families beginning January 1, 2027.
Eligible Montana taxpayers can commit now to make a qualifying EFTC contribution through ACE Scholarships starting January 1, 2027, when the federal tax credit takes effect.
MONTANA IS PARTICIPATING IN THE EFTC INITIATIVE Launches January 1, 2027
Montana’s Current Status
Montana has opted into the EFTC, creating a new scholarship opportunity for eligible students beginning in 2027.
EFTC Status
Participating
Effective January 1, 2027
Montana has opted into the EFTC.
ACE in Montana
Active
ACE Scholarships has delivered scholarships to Montana students since 2012. For more information on the ways ACE is active and making an impact in Montana, please click here.
Partner Schools
67
ACE Scholarships currently partners with 67 schools throughout Montana.
Scholarships
11,450+
Since 2012, Montana families have accepted more than 11,450 ACE scholarships totaling over $24.9 million. During the 2025–26 school year, ACE delivered 1,048 scholarships to Montana students.
Does Montana Have a State Scholarship Tax Credit?
Yes. Montana offers a separate state scholarship tax credit through the Student Scholarship Organization Tax Credit.
Eligible taxpayers can receive a Montana tax credit equal to a qualifying contribution to an approved Student Scholarship Organization, subject to state limits and available program capacity.
ACE Scholarships participates in Montana’s state tax-credit program.
The state tax credit is separate from the federal EFTC and has its own rules and requirements.
Explore ACE’s Impact in Montana
Building Montana’s Future – One Student at a Time
More than half of Montana’s K-12 students may be eligible for an ACE Scholarship, yet many remain stuck in underperforming schools solely due to their zip code.
Over 70% of families WANT school choice, but only a fraction have access. ACE Scholarships is changing that by offering partial scholarships to eager students.
ACE vs. The Status Quo
ACE partner school students compared to their lower income public school peers.
Higher Proficiency in Math
Higher Proficiency in Reading
Graduation Rate in ACE Partner Schools
Graduation Rate in Montana Schools
Families choose what works – not zip codes.
Our Model Works
Since launching in 2012, ACE Montana has provided a solution.
Last year, almost 1,600+ students applied for an ACE Scholarship—but more than 460+ were turned away largely due to lack of funding. The demand is real and the results are proven, but we need your help.
Average School Tuition Cost
(K-8) $6,774 (HS) $7,598
Average Family Contribution
(K-8) $2,906 (HS) $3,737
Average Scholarship Amount
(K-8) $2,764 (HS) $3,745
Average Household Size
4.8
Average Household Income
$59,375
ACE partners with families, donors, and private schools to provide equal access to quality education for Montana students, empowering lower-income families with scholarships, support, and the freedom to choose the learning environment that best fits their children’s needs.
963
Open Seats
in Montana Schools
67
Partner Schools
Across the State
Here’s How Your Gift Works
Donate
Thank you for choosing to donate to ACE Scholarships Montana.
For donations up to $200,000, please click on the Make a Tax-Deductible Donation button below.
For gifts over $200,000, or for additional ways to donate, please reach out to Lisa Russell, President of ACE Montana & Wyoming, at [email protected] or (406) 628-8366.
See how far your donation can go!
| Your Support | Give Once | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10 children for a year | $35,000 | $3,000 |
| 5 children for a year | $17,500 | $1,500 |
| 2 children for a year | $7,000 | $600 |
| 1 child for a year | $3,500 | $300 |
| 1 child for a semester | $1,750 | $150 |
| 1 child for a quarter | $875 | $75 |
ACE Scholarships Montana Tax Credit Program
Thank you for your interest in Montana’s Student Scholarships Organization Tax Credit. Unfortunately, the state tax-credit donation cap has already been met for the current calendar year. The program will open again for contributions on January 1st.
For questions about how to take advantage of the tax credit for the upcoming calendar year, please contact Lisa Russell, President of ACE Montana & Wyoming, at [email protected] or (406) 628-8366.
Please Note: This program is available until the state cap has been met. ACE will be able to start entering donations we have received on the Montana Department of Revenue’s website on January 21st and will inform all donors at that time whether their donation was accepted by the state for the tax credit or not.
Scholarships from this student scholarship organization may be used at any qualified education provider of the parent’s or legal guardian’s choice 15-30-3103 (1)(j)(iii), MCA.
For those inclined to make a difference and fortify our Montana community, this program is a no-brainer. Eighty-six percent of every donation to ACE directly funds a child’s scholarship, and the taxpayer receives a 100% state income tax credit, if eligible, through the Montana Tax Credit for Qualified Education Contributions for this donation. That’s a small investment for an enormous benefit to kids who need it most.
Every Gift. Every Student. Every Step Forward.
State Partner Schools
State Partner Schools
Scholarships Delivered
Scholarships Delivered
Total Amount of Scholarships Delivered
Total Amount of Scholarships Delivered
Since launching in Montana in 2012, ACE Montana Families have accepted more than 11,450 scholarships totaling over $24.9 million. ACE Scholarships has also established partnerships with 67 partner schools throughout the state. During the 2025/26 school year, 1,048 scholarships were delivered and the demand continues. Our vision is that every child has access to a quality education, so our work here is not done.
Montana Leadership
President,
ACE Montana & Wyoming
Lisa Russell
lrussell@
Four Ways to Give
There are several ways to help make educational opportunities possible for students. Choose the option that works for you.
EFTC Contribution
Make a qualifying EFTC contribution through ACE Scholarships to help fund K–12 scholarships for eligible students in Montana.
Eligible taxpayers will receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit on qualifying contributions of up to $1,700 per taxpayer, or $3,400 for married couples filing jointly, subject to federal requirements.
Montana State Tax Credit
Montana’s Student Scholarship Organization Tax Credit provides a state tax credit equal to qualifying contributions to approved Student Scholarship Organizations, subject to state limits and available program capacity.
ACE Scholarships participates in the Montana program. This state tax credit is separate from the federal EFTC.
Stay Connected
Get updates about scholarships, educational opportunities, and EFTC participation in your state.
