Grants & Donations

First Interstate Bank and its Foundation are 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.

In 2023, First Interstate Bank and the Foundation collectively awarded $9.2 million in support across our 14-state footprint. With a focus to strengthen our communities, 57% of these dollars focused on poverty and were awarded to nonprofits actively assisting low- and moderate-income individuals and communities.

To help meet the unique needs across our footprint, local branch leadership is empowered to recommend and provide funding based on the needs of their respective communities.

Each Market has a designated Community Giving Representative. This person will review incoming requests for support for their assigned area. All requests are traditionally reviewed monthly and must be submitted online through the appropriate link below. You will receive an email with a decision upon review. Please apply only once.

Grants and donations are evaluated based on the community partner’s organizational background, community benefit and support, the strength of the organization’s leadership, and the organization’s financial stability. Grants and donations are awarded after careful consideration by the local Market, Foundation staff, and the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Recipients of philanthropic gifts include civic and community, arts and culture, K-12 and higher education, health, human services, and sustainability-related organizations.

Apply For Support Online

Donations

Donations are used to help our communities by investing in important initiatives, activities, and projects. Donations are defined as support of an organization where promotional benefit is not expected. Organizations do not have to be a 501(c)(3) to apply for a donation. There is no minimum donation amount.

Every community has hundreds of worthy organizations and causes; requests are reviewed with a lens on our values, and funding priorities.

Donation Request

Grants

The Foundation only awards grants to organizations with a tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, organizations that qualify as publicly supported in Section 509 (a) of the Code, or applicants that can present evidence they are a legally established unit of government.

The Foundation only grants to organizations recommended by local First Interstate Bank branches. The minimum grant amount is $2,500.

Grant Request

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 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

$9.2 million awarded in grants in 2023

57%

Poverty Issues

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

1,500+

Nonprofit Partners

The Foundation has partnered with over 1,500 Nonprofit organizations in 2023.