First Interstate Kicks Off Fourth Annual Believe in Local
First Interstate and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation will award forty $25,000 grants to nonprofit organizations across the Bank’s 14-state footprint this summer as part of the fourth-annual Believe in Local campaign.
The initiative, launched in 2022, reflects First Interstate’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves. Each grant recipient was nominated by a local First Interstate employee and selected from more than 615 submissions. A committee of employees vetted nominations to ensure alignment with the Bank’s philanthropic priorities, including support for low- to moderate-income populations.
“This campaign is a powerful reminder of what happens when local insight meets meaningful investment,” said James A. Reuter, President and CEO of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. “Our employees know their communities best, and their nominations help us direct resources where they’ll have the greatest impact.”
Grant recipients are being announced weekly from late April through August. The selected nonprofits represent a wide range of services, including food security, early childhood education, financial literacy, and workforce development.
Amberly Pahut, Executive Director of the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation, emphasized the importance of community-driven giving.
“It’s been a priority for us to show up alongside our partners and help build healthier, more resilient communities,” said Pahut. “Everything about these organizations reflects the values we hold as a company—especially the importance of active volunteerism and neighborly support.”
In 2024, First Interstate and its Foundation contributed more than $7.1 million in donations and grants. Employees also volunteered over 51,000 hours, generating over $762,000 in matching gift funds.
