Midland States Bank Foundation Grant

The Midland States Bank Foundation grant program reflects Midland States Bank's deep-rooted commitment to community development and empowerment across the regions it serves. As a community-focused financial institution, the Foundation was established to support initiatives that advance the general welfare, education, and health of its communities. This funding opportunity emphasizes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations and initiatives that directly impact areas of education, workforce development, financial empowerment, housing, small business development, and health and wellness. The Foundation operates two competitive grant cycles each year—Spring and Fall—each with defined application periods and award timelines. The Spring cycle opens on February 2 and closes on March 31, with notifications issued by June 30. The Fall cycle opens on August 1 and closes on September 30, with decisions communicated by December 31. Average grant awards range between $7,500 and $25,000. While there are no explicitly stated restrictions on the period of performance, the emphasis on meaningful, measurable community impact suggests a preference for well-scoped, achievable projects. Eligibility is confined to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations that operate within the geographic footprint of Midland States Bank. These organizations must align with the Foundation’s core focus areas. Importantly, special consideration is given to programs serving low- to moderate-income populations. Applications from individuals, political organizations, or programs operating outside the service area are not considered. Organizations must also demonstrate non-discriminatory practices, as the Foundation does not support entities that exclude participation based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. The application process is managed entirely online through a designated grant application portal. Applicants must prepare their full proposal in advance, as the system does not allow saving progress mid-session. Supporting documents, including IRS tax-exempt status letters, must be uploaded with the application. All requests must be submitted electronically; paper and email submissions are not accepted. No letters of inquiry are required or accepted as a preliminary step. The evaluation process is conducted by the Foundation Board. Applications are assessed based on their alignment with the Foundation's focus areas, potential impact, and clarity of objectives. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for further information or clarification. Though there are no explicit scoring criteria listed, applicants are encouraged to clearly define their goals, strategies, and expected outcomes. In terms of reporting and accountability, selected organizations may be asked to submit periodic progress reports. These reports are intended to ensure effective use of funds and assess the overall community impact of funded projects. While no specific reporting schedule is detailed in the program materials, the inclusion of this clause highlights the Foundation’s focus on responsible grantmaking. Prospective applicants are advised to allow sufficient time for completing the online form, as late applications may not be accepted.