MUNCIE, Ind., June 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Merchants Bank and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) announced a new $2.02 billion Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), reinforcing the bank's long-standing commitment to advancing financial wellness of the communities it serves.
The new five-year agreement, which runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030, builds on First Merchants' previous community commitments and reflects the bank's continued growth and expanded footprint across Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio
"First Merchants Bank has been one of our most committed and proactive partners since the very beginning of our relationship in 2019," said Jesse Van Tol, President and CEO of NCRC. "Now, 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 — it is a core part of who they are. NCRC is proud to stand alongside them."
"This agreement reflects our unwavering commitment to listen first and act with purpose," said Mark Hardwick, Chief Executive Officer of First Merchants. "By deepening our investments and partnerships, we are expanding access to financial prosperity and helping individuals, families and businesses thrive—especially in communities that have historically faced barriers to financial services."
The agreement builds on the bank's prior Community Benefits Agreement established in 2020 and expanded in 2022, reflecting continued commitment to impact across its communities.
$2.02 Billion Commitment Focused on Community Growth
The Community Benefits Agreement includes the following five-year commitments:
$650 million in mortgage lending for low- to moderate-income (LMI) 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
$6 million in philanthropy
These commitments will expand access to homeownership, support small business growth, drive economic development and strengthen financial stability across the bank's regional footprint.
Driven by Community Collaboration
The agreement was developed through a collaborative process with NCRC and community-based organizations, including listening sessions held across First Merchants' markets to better understand evolving community needs.