First Interstate Bank donates $25,000 to Whitefish Community Foundation for Believe in Local campaign

Whitefish Community Foundation recently received a $25,000 gift from First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation as part of their fourth annual Believe in Local grant campaign. 

In every corner of the Flathead Valley, nonprofits work tirelessly to feed families, support education, protect the environment, and enrich lives—but they can’t do it alone. That’s where Whitefish Community Foundation steps in, a vital bridge between generous donors and the organizations that keep the community thriving.  
“We are honored to be recognized by First Interstate Bank’s Believe in Local campaign, especially as we celebrate our 25th anniversary,” said Alan Davis, President and CEO of Whitefish Community Foundation. “This generous gift to our endowment will have a lasting impact, strengthening our ability to support local nonprofits now and for generations to come.” 

First Interstate Bank’s Whitefish Bank President Eric Schmidt nominated Whitefish Community Foundation for the donation.  

“Our Believe in Local grant campaign embodies the Bank’s core values in action, celebrating nonprofit organizations like Whitefish Community Foundation that make a significant, positive impact in our community,” Schmidt explained. “I am excited for them to receive this special grant award, helping make Whitefish and the broader Flathead Valley a better place to live, work, and raise a family.” 

Brenden Craig, First Interstate Bank’s Flathead Market President, serves on Whitefish Community Foundations board as treasurer.  

"Knowing firsthand the amazing and vital work this organization does, I was thrilled to see them nominated and selected,” Craig said.
 First Interstate Bank launched the Believe in Local campaign in 2022 to celebrate its longstanding commitment to the communities it serves. Each year, 40 nonprofit organizations across the Bank’s 14-state footprint receive a $25,000 gift in support of their mission. Whitefish Community Foundation was nominated by local First Interstate employees and selected from a pool of over 615 submissions thanks to its alignment with the bank’s philanthropic goals. 

In addition to campaigns like Believe in Local, First Interstate makes annual donations and grants totaling approximately 2% of pre-tax earnings to local communities. These funds aid in the improvement of workforce development, boost early childhood education and help mitigate poverty.