The First Interstate Foundation only grants to organizations recommended by local First Interstate BancSystem branches. Unsolicited grant applications will be referred to branches. Requests are reviewed continually. First Interstate Foundation only considers projects that have a significant impact within the communities First Interstate BancSystem serves in Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota.

First Interstate BancSystem Foundation can only grant to organizations that have tax exempt status from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Or qualifies as a publicly supported organization as described in Section 509 (a) of the Code, or evidence that the applicant is a legally established unit of government.

First Interstate BancSystem Grant Application Guidelines

Step 1 - Send a Letter of Inquiry and the following Grant Application to your local First Interstate Bank branch location

• Requests $250-$999 Grant Application - 32KB PDF Document
• Requests over $1000 Grant Application - 32KB PDF Document

Step 2 - Additional information will be required for grants over $1,000 including: staff list, financials, and two most recent 990’s (tax returns).

Step 3 - The local First Interstate branch will review your application. The branch will send you an award or declination letter. If your program fits with the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation guidelines the local branch may contact the Foundation for possible matching funds.

Step 4 - The Foundation will review the proposal along with the branch’s recommendations. If any additional information is required you will be contacted. After complete review, an award letter or declination letter will be sent by the Foundation.

First Interstate BancSystem Foundation Grant Guidelines

• The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation only grants to organizations recommended by local First Interstate Bank branches. Unsolicited grant applications will be referred to branches. Requests are reviewed continually.
• First Interstate BancSystem Foundation only considers projects that have a significant impact within the communities First Interstate serves in Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota.
• First Interstate BancSystem Foundation can only grant to organizations that have tax exempt status from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Or qualifies as a publicly supported organization as described in Section 509 (a) of the Code, or evidence that the applicant is a legally established unit of government.

Areas deemed to be less appropriate for Foundation funding:

• Individuals
• 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.
• Any project which clearly represents a duplication of effort.
• Any project that in any manner implies restriction of services based on sex, race, age, and religious affiliation.
• Endowments.

If you need help interpreting the guidelines, please feel free to call us:

PO Box 7113
Billings, Montana 59103-7113
(406) 255-5393 FAX (406)255-5311

Mission Statement

The Mission of First Interstate Foundation is to assist the First Interstate Bank family in being the premier corporate citizen in the communities we serve. The Foundation achieves this by carrying out First Interstate’s Commitment to Community. We provide resources and leadership to civic and community projects, education, arts and culture, health and human services and community development efforts.