Forty nonprofit organizations across First Interstate’s 14-state footprint will each receive a $25,000 donation from First Interstate as part of their annual Believe in Local granting program.
“We are only as strong as the communities we serve,” said Kevin Riley, President and CEO of First Interstate Bank. “Believe in Local puts our commitment to community in action, celebrating these organizations who provide resources and outreach to our community partners and neighbors facing life’s challenges.”
Selected nonprofit organizations for Believe in Local were initially nominated by employees then vetted by a committee of First Interstate Bank employees to ensure funding would achieve the Bank’s low-moderate income and DEI priorities.
“Our employees are the driving force behind all the great philanthropic work we do as a Bank,” said Amberly Pahut, Executive Director of the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation. “They not only volunteer their time but help target our giving to the organizations creating the biggest impact in their neighborhoods. Believe in Local further empowers our team with opportunities and resources to magnify the impact of these nonprofits.”
First Interstate revealed the initial 2024 Believe in Local recipients in late April and additional winners will be announced weekly until September 11, when First Interstate holds its seventh annual Volunteer Day, the day the bank closes all branches at noon to provide employees paid time to volunteer.
Last year, First Interstate and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation provided more than $9.2 million in donations and grant support to its communities and First Interstate employees donated over 26,000 hours of their time volunteering creating almost $270,000 in employee gift match dollars. These funds aid in the improvement of workforce development, boost early childhood education, improve financial literacy across all age groups, and mitigate poverty, among other worthwhile initiatives.