Grants

The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation is driven by a vested interest in the health and strength of our communities, working to make them better places to live, work, and raise families.

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Access and view your saved grant applications.

In 2022, First Interstate Bank and the Foundation collectively awarded $9.1 million in support across our 14-state footprint. With a focus to strengthen our communities, 55% of these dollars focused on poverty and were awarded to nonprofits actively assisting low- and moderate-income individuals and communities.

The Foundation relies on branch leadership to recommend funding based on the needs of their respective communities. Grants are evaluated based on the nonprofits’ organizational backgrounds, community benefit and support, the strength of the nonprofits’ leadership, and the nonprofits’ financial stability. Grants are awarded after careful consideration by the local market, Foundation staff, and Board of Directors.

Recipients included civic and community, arts and culture, K-12 and higher education, health, human services, and sustainability-related organizations.

The Foundation only grants to organizations recommended by local First Interstate Bank branches. Unsolicited grant applications will be referred to branches. Requests are continually reviewed.

Application Process

Step 1

Send a Letter of Inquiry to your local First Interstate Bank Community Giving Representative.

Step 2

If your local First Interstate Bank invites you to complete a grant application, you will be provided with a password. Please follow the below link and sign in creating your own credentials. The Foundation only grants to organizations recommended by local First Interstate branches. Unsolicited grant applications will be referred to the local branch. Requests are reviewed continuously. Please call or email the Foundation for more information at 406-255-5393 or Foundation@fib.com

Step 3

The local First Interstate branch & First Interstate Foundation will review your application and send you an award or declination letter.

Grant Application

Access and view your saved grant applications.

Guidelines

The Foundation only awards grants to organizations with a tax exempt status from federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, qualifies as a publicly supported organization as described in Section 509 (a) of the Code, or can present evidence that the applicant is a legally established unit of government. The Foundation only considers projects that have significant impact within the communities First Interstate Bank serves.

Areas deemed to be less appropriate to receive funding are: individuals, projects that do not have a significant impact within communities the First Interstate Bank serves, projects designed to influence legislation or elect candidates to public office, projects of sectarian or religious organizations whose services are limited to members of any one religious group, projects which clearly represent a duplication of effort, any project that in any manner implies restriction of services based on sex, race, age, and religious affiliation and endowments.

The Big Picture

$9.1 million awarded in grants in 2022

55%

Poverty Issues

Percent of grants helping to eliminate hunger and homelessness, provide affordable housing, and improve the economics of individuals.

1,548

Nonprofit Partners

The Foundation as partnered with 1,548 Nonprofit organizations in 2022.

Mailing Address

First Interstate
BancSystem Foundation
PO Box 7102
Billings, MT 59103-7102

Phone

406-255-5393