{"id":289591,"date":"2026-06-25T14:30:55","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T18:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/?p=289591"},"modified":"2026-07-07T11:58:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T15:58:10","slug":"ncrc-and-first-merchants-bank-announce-new-2-billion-community-benefits-agreement-to-expand-impact-across-the-midwest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/ncrc-and-first-merchants-bank-announce-new-2-billion-community-benefits-agreement-to-expand-impact-across-the-midwest\/","title":{"rendered":"NCRC and First Merchants Bank Announce New $2 Billion Community Benefits Agreement to Expand Impact Across the Midwest"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and First Merchants Bank announced a new $2.02 billion Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), reinforcing the bank\u2019s long-standing commitment to advancing financial wellness of the communities it serves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The new five-year agreement, which runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030, builds on First Merchants Bank&#8217;s previous community commitments and reflects the bank\u2019s continued growth and expanded footprint across Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;First Merchants Bank has been one of our most committed and proactive partners since the very beginning of our relationship in 2019,\u201d <strong>said Jesse Van Tol, president and CEO of NCRC<\/strong>. \u201cNow, with their acquisition of First Savings Financial Group and the launch of a second five-year Community Benefits Plan, it will be a partnership that spans more than a decade. First Merchants sets the standard for what community-centered banking can look like and continues to demonstrate that genuine community reinvestment is not a compliance exercise \u2014 it is a core part of who they are. NCRC is proud to stand alongside them.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThis agreement reflects our unwavering commitment to listen first and act with purpose,\u201d <strong>said Mark Hardwick, chief executive officer of First Merchants<\/strong>. \u201cBy deepening our investments and partnerships, we are expanding access to financial prosperity and helping individuals, families and businesses thrive\u2014especially in communities that have historically faced barriers to financial services.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The agreement builds on the bank\u2019s prior <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/ncrc-first-merchants-bank-announce-1-4-billion-community-benefits-plan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Benefits Agreement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> established in 2020 and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/ncrc-announces-expanded-community-benefits-agreement-with-first-merchants-bank\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">expanded in 2022<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, reflecting continued commitment to impact across its communities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>$2.02 Billion Commitment Focused on Community Growth<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Community Benefits Agreement includes the following five-year commitments:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$650 million in mortgage lending for low- to moderate-income (LMI) borrowers and communities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$464 million in small business lending in LMI and rural communities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$700 million in community development lending<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$200 million in community development investments<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$6 million in philanthropy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These commitments will expand access to homeownership, support small business growth, drive economic development and strengthen financial stability across the bank\u2019s regional footprint.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Driven by Community Collaboration<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The agreement was developed through a collaborative process with NCRC and community-based organizations, including listening sessions held across First Merchants\u2019 markets to better understand evolving community needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNCRC and its members value partnerships that lead to meaningful, measurable impact,\u201d <strong>said Michele Perez, chief of community engagement and institutional accountability at NCRC<\/strong>. \u201cThis agreement demonstrates how thoughtful collaboration can direct critical resources to strengthen neighborhoods, increase homeownership opportunities and support long-term economic growth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Building on a Proven Foundation<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2026\u20132030 agreement continues First Merchants\u2019 commitment towards:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expanding access to affordable banking products and financial education<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supporting housing stability and community revitalization<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing lending and investment in underserved communities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthening partnerships with nonprofit organizations and local leaders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advancing employee engagement through community service and leadership<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>A Continued Commitment to Financial Wellness<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grounded in its values and long-term strategy, First Merchants remains focused on helping people prosper throughout their financial journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAs we look ahead, this agreement provides a clear roadmap for how we will continue to invest in the success of our communities,\u201d <strong>said Scott McKee, chief corporate social responsibility officer<\/strong>. \u201cTogether with our partners, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen businesses and build vibrant communities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since 2016, NCRC has facilitated <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more than 30 community benefits plans<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with bank groups that have committed more than $600 billion for mortgage, small business and community development lending, investments and philanthropy in LMI and under-resourced communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following NCRC member organizations signed on to the plan:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bridging Communities, Inc.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foundation for Pops<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Homes on the Hill, CDC<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Homestead Resources<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Life Remodeled<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Northwest Indiana Reinvestment Alliance<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prosperity Indiana<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Bend Heritage Foundation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">U-SNAP-BAC Nonprofit Housing Corp.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThis renewal is an essential tool in the community chest that strengthens and empowers <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">communities through strong partnerships,\u201d <strong>said Phyllis Edwards, NCRC board member and executive director, Bridging Communities, Inc<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;The updated Community Benefits Agreement underscores First Merchants Bank&#8217;s commitment to being more than a financial institution\u2014it is a community partner. Strategic investments in housing stability, financial capability and community development create lasting change and expand opportunities for those who need them most. We commend First Merchants Bank for recognizing that thriving communities are the true measure of a successful investment,\u201d <strong>said Lakesha Hancock, executive director, Foundation for Pops<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt&#8217;s been my pleasure to work with First Merchants since they initially began their community-<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">based outreach and supportive programs. They have performed in an exemplary manner and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have significantly contributed to the mission of serving LMI communities. They are committed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to the CBA agreement as evidenced by their performance and their people,\u201d <strong>said Steve Torsell, executive director, Homes on the Hill CDC<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cGreater Indy Habitat for Humanity sees the CBA with First Merchants and NCRC as another <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">positive step toward providing direct support to our Indianapolis region,\u201d <strong>said Jim Morris, president and CEO, Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThis CBA with First Merchants and NCRC demonstrates First Merchants\u2019 deep commitment to community across their footprint. Our experience at INHP is that First Merchants demonstrates this commitment even beyond what is reflected in this CBA, consistently stepping up in a variety of creative and generous ways in pursuit of our shared belief that every household deserves the opportunity to thrive,\u201d <strong>said Gina Miller, president and CEO, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Summary of the Updated Community Benefits Agreement Between the National Community Reinvestment Coalition and First Merchants Bank<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Merchants Bank will lend, invest or donate more than $2 billion over five years (2026\u20132030) to support low- and moderate-income (LMI) borrowers and communities across its regional market areas in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. This represents an increase in their commitments from the bank\u2019s previous CBA established in 2022. The agreement was developed in collaboration with NCRC and its members following listening sessions to better understand current community needs.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Mortgage Lending<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Benefits Commitment: <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$650 million over 5 years (2026-2030)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Merchants has updated and increased their home purchase lending, committing a total of $650 million. The bank will pursue an approximate 5-year accumulated increase goal of 10% growth in mortgage originations to underserved borrowers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Merchants will leverage partnerships with nonprofit housing developers, Community Development Financial Institutions and NCRC to identify and support borrowers who would benefit from their mortgage products and programs. The bank will continue supporting credit counseling, housing counseling and homebuyer education through sponsorships, referrals and direct engagement with counseling agencies, while also engaging with local organizations to promote homeownership, financial literacy and equitable access to mortgage credit. First Merchants will also continue to employ community home loan officers who facilitate home buyer education and participate in community-based redevelopment efforts.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Small Business Lending<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Benefits Commitment: <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$464 million over 5 years (2026-2030)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Merchants will provide $464 million in small business lending in LMI census tracts and to businesses with a gross annual revenue under $1 million. The bank commits to achieving an approximate 10% increase in small business lending originations to businesses with less than $1 million in revenue and to businesses located in LMI census tracts over the life of the agreement. The bank commits to supporting small businesses across its regional markets and to expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs in underserved communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Community Development Lending <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Benefits Commitment: <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$700 million over five years (2026-2030)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Merchants will originate $700 million in community development lending, representing approximately 2.9 percent of combined assets, to support affordable housing, economic development, revitalization efforts and services targeted to LMI consumers and communities. The bank will continue to act as an active partner in community development lending initiatives designed to meet local credit needs and will dedicate resources to organizations that offer alternatives to payday lending.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Community Development Investments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Benefits Commitment: <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$200 million over five years (2026-2030)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Merchants will invest $200 million in community development initiatives, representing approximately 0.9 percent of combined assets, with investments driven by identified community needs and opportunities. These investments will support affordable housing, economic development and community revitalization benefiting LMI communities and may include partnerships with CDFIs, tax credit investments such as LIHTC and NMTC, municipal bonds, loan pools and other qualifying community development activities.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Philanthropy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Benefits Commitment: <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$6 million over five years (2026-2030)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The agreement includes $6 million in philanthropic support through grants, sponsorships and community engagement initiatives focused on LMI communities and individuals. First Merchants will support organizations addressing workforce training, capacity building, economic prosperity and housing stability.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bank will also provide multi-year funding to support affordable housing development and pre-development activities, expand support for housing counseling organizations and encourage employees to engage in volunteer service and nonprofit board participation. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Throughout the term of the agreement, First Merchants intends to engage with community stakeholders through individual conversations, small group discussions or other forums to better understand local conditions and emerging needs.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Branch &amp; Banking Product Commitments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Merchants will make reasonable efforts to maintain its current branch distribution levels and continue investing in Community Banking Centers to expand access to banking services in LMI communities while working collaboratively with community stakeholders to increase awareness, trust and utilization of these centers.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Merchants will also continue reviewing and developing products to address community needs, including down payment assistance programs, home improvement grants, small-dollar credit-building loans and flexible underwriting approaches that incorporate alternative credit data. The bank will maintain affordable account offerings and provide education on fraud prevention and financial capability.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Ongoing Engagement Commitments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Merchants will engage community stakeholders throughout the life of the agreement through ongoing conversations, listening sessions and partnerships to better understand local conditions and emerging needs.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Progress made under the agreement will be overseen by an advisory board composed of community leaders who will provide accountability, strategic guidance and regular updates on performance.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The new five-year agreement, which runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030, builds on First Merchants\u2019 previous community commitments and reflects the bank\u2019s continued growth and expanded footprint across Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":951,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_angie_page":false,"content-type":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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new five-year agreement, which runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030, builds on First Merchants\u2019 previous community commitments and reflects the bank\u2019s continued growth and expanded footprint across Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.\u00a0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289591","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/951"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=289591"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289591\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":289925,"href":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289591\/revisions\/289925"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=289591"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=289591"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=289591"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}