First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation are launching a 100-day celebration on National Philanthropy Day, marking the start of a countdown to a historic milestone: $100 million in total giving since the Foundation’s inception in 1990.
“This milestone is more than a number,” said Amberly Pahut, Director of Community Responsibility and the Foundation. “It represents thousands of partnerships, tens of thousands of volunteer hours, and a shared belief that we can build stronger communities together.”
The 100-day celebration begins Saturday, Nov. 15, and will include stories from clients, community partner spotlights, and opportunities for employees and clients to engage in local giving shared on the bank’s website, firstinterstatebank.com/100million, and across social media platforms. The festivities will culminate in a special event in February 2026 to honor both the achievement and the future of the Bank and the Foundation.
“Without strong communities, you can’t have a strong bank. This milestone is a meaningful moment for us as we lean in to ensure our clients and communities are taken care of,” said First Interstate President and CEO Jim Reuter, who also serves as the Foundation’s Chair.
Throughout its history, First Interstate Bank and its Foundation have championed causes that impact local community members, from financial literacy and youth development to disaster relief and nonprofit capacity building. Signature programs have helped meet immediate needs while investing in long-term solutions.
Landmark initiatives that have contributed to the $100 million milestone include:
- Employee Gift & Volunteer Matching Programs: These programs have contributed over $13 million to local nonprofits.
- Mini Bank Program: The program teaches financial literacy to thousands of students across dozens of schools.
- Neighbors Feeding Neighbors: In the last 15 years, $2.7 million has been dedicated to neighbors facing food insecurity through this program.
- Volunteer Day: This bankwide program celebrated its 8th year in 2025, assisting 331 nonprofit organizations, eight schools, and 36 community organizations through hours of volunteering and financial grants.
- Believe in Local: Launched in 2022, this program has provided $4 million in investments to local nonprofit organizations.
- Volunteerism: In 2024, employees completed more than 51,382 volunteer hours and have invested more than 43,841 hours so far this year.
To learn more about the Foundation and its work, visit https://www.firstinterstatebank.com/company/commitment/our-foundation.
About First Interstate
First Interstate is a community bank headquartered in Billings, Montana, delivering best-in-class banking and Wealth Management services across Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. With nearly 300 offices, First Interstate enhances the communities it serves through an innovative corporate philanthropy program, which includes donating a portion of Company profits, matching employees’ personal financial contributions, and donating $10 per hour for volunteer efforts made at qualifying organizations. To learn more, please visit www.firstinterstate.com.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
