(MountainStar Family Relief Nursery | Photo courtesy of First Interstate Bank)
As First Interstate Bank’s fourth annual Believe in Local program draws to a close, we’re proud to share that 40 nonprofits across the Bank’s footprint received a total of $1M in funding, including five organizations in Oregon. “In this first year as president and CEO, I am truly humbled by First Interstate’s people and their unwavering commitment to community,” said Jim Reuter, CEO of First Interstate Bank. “In experiencing my inaugural ‘Believe in Local’ campaign, I am impressed by the advocacy and passion exhibited in every market as team members work to bring about real, meaningful, and positive change in the places where they live and work. I look forward to celebrating the fifth year of this impactful program in 2026.”
Unlike many corporate giving programs that can often feel impersonal, what sets Believe in Local apart is that this program is driven by employees who live and work in the communities they serve. This year, First Interstate employees submitted more than 615 nominations, all grounded in personal stories and alignment with the Bank’s philanthropic goals.
In Oregon, the following nonprofits received $25,000 Believe in Local grants:
- Project Patchwork — Portland
- Klamath Advocacy Center — Klamath Falls
- Family Access Network Foundation — Bend
- MountainStar Family Relief Nursery — Bend
- Clatsop Community Action — Astoria
