To apply for a donation from the Midland States Bank Foundation, applicants must:

• Be tax exempt as defined by Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) of the IRS Code.
• Provide a copy of the organization's tax exempt status determination letter from the IRS.
• Serve the communities in Midland’s geographical footprint
• Be aligned with the goals and focus of Midland States Bank: Education, Work Force Development, Financial Empowerment, Housing, Small Business Development and Health & Wellness
• Apply within the award timeframe Special consideration is given to programs that support low- to moderate-income populations.

Additional Guidelines:

All requests must be submitted electronically via the application link. We will no longer accept letters of inquiry or paper/email requests.

The Midland States Bank Foundation does not donate to these organizations, activities, or purposes:

• Programs that are not within our geographical footprint.
• Individuals
• Political organizations or projects
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, national, or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, veteran status, disability or other characteristics protected by law
• Annual appeals
• Travel expenses for organization's employees
• Operating deficits
• Memorial campaigns

Review our Focus Areas:

Familiarize yourself with our community impact key focus areas. We support causes that align with our core values and objectives. Take the time to understand the specific areas where we aim to make a significant impact.

Check Eligibility:

Before proceeding with the application, carefully review the eligibility criteria to ensure that your organization or initiative meets the necessary requirements. We prioritize transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes.

Craft Your Proposal:

Develop a compelling project proposal that clearly articulates your organization's mission, goals, and strategies. Demonstrate how your work aligns with our community impact focus areas and how the requested donation will contribute to the success of your project and to the community.

Submit Your Application:

Fill out our online donation application form, providing accurate and comprehensive information about your organization and project. Be concise yet informative, emphasizing the impact your initiative will have on the community. Include any relevant supporting documents or testimonials that strengthen your application. Please note that late submissions may not be considered, so we recommend allowing ample time for the submission process.

Evaluation and Notification:

Our Foundation Board will thoroughly review all submitted applications. Shortlisted organizations may be contacted for additional information or clarification. The final selection process may involve interviews or presentations. Once a decision is made, we will notify applicants of the outcome within a specified timeframe.

Donation Disbursement and Reporting:

Congratulations to the organizations selected to receive a donation! If your organization is chosen, you will receive the monetary donation to support your project. We may request periodic progress reports to ensure that the funds are being utilized effectively and to assess the impact of the supported initiatives. We want to remind you that the result of your organization’s application seldom reflects the perceived worthiness of the organization. Rather, this indicates our previous commitments within a geographic area, current support of a similar organization, or incomplete information provided by the organization.