First Merchants Bank Funds Financial Education Series for Northeast Indiana Residents

February 4, 2025 | Fort Wayne, Indiana – Brightpoint Development Fund has received $5,000 from First Merchants Bank to fund a series of courses called Personal Financial Foundations. The series focuses on providing opportunities and tools to help individuals reach their financial goals.

“First Merchants Bank is proud to partner with Brightpoint in their vital work serving Northeast Indiana,” says Scott McKee, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for First Merchants Bank. “We believe in their mission and are committed to supporting their efforts to make a positive impact on our community. We’re honored to play a role in their success.”

The Personal Financial Foundations courses start with an overview of the key points in the 4-part series and how to begin a path toward financial stability. The remaining three sessions provide information about budgeting, credit, and banking.

“First Merchants Bank’s sponsorship enables Brightpoint to bring this critical financial education to more individuals and families,” says Matt Crouch, Vice President of Community Economic Development for Brightpoint. “Their support underscores the dedication to our shared values of empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures.”

The Personal Financial Foundations series is free and open to the public. The courses will be held at the main branch of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne on March 17, April 21, May 19, and June 16. For more information or to sign up, visit mybrightpoint.org.

Brightpoint is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving over 30,000 people across northeast Indiana each year. Through a wide range of programs, Brightpoint helps communities, families, and individuals remove the causes and conditions of poverty. All Brightpoint services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, ancestry, or status as a veteran.

Founded in 2010, Brightpoint Development Fund, a subsidiary of Brightpoint, is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable business loans, financial education, and housing development services. It is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) micro lender and a U.S. Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI.)

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