First Merchants Bank, Muncie, and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition announced a $2.02 billion Community Benefits Agreement, committing to the following five-year commitments from Jan. 1, 2026-Dec. 31, 2030:
- $650 million in mortgage lending for low- to moderate-income borrowers and communities;
- $464 million in small business lending in LMI and rural communities;
- $700 million in community development lending;
- $200 million in community development investments; and
- $6 million in philanthropy.
These commitments are designed to expand access to homeownership, support small business growth, drive economic development and strengthen financial stability throughout the bank’s footprint across Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. The agreement was signed onto by 13 community partners including Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity, the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, Northwest Indiana Reinvestment Alliance and Prosperity Indiana, that will help the bank identify impactful programs where investments can be made toward these commitments.
