Bread Financial® creates meaningful community impact through partnerships, volunteering

Bread Financial®'s recent community efforts show that small actions, multiplied across the organization, create meaningful change. Over the past three months, Bread Financial gave $1.87 million in grants to nonprofits, 758 associates volunteered with 138 different charities, and more than $470,000 was donated through associate donations and company matching gifts.

During Pay It Forward Week in May, associates contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours with 34 charities. The company also helped provide an estimated 1.98 million meals for families in need through Operation Feed, its fundraising campaign to support hunger relief globally.

Read below to see how Bread Financial and its associates continue to show up for the community. 

Campaign spotlight: Taking steps for kids' mental health
In May 2026, Bread Financial partnered with The Kids Mental Health Foundation (KMHF), the leading organization advancing children’s mental health in the United States, on several initiatives during Mental Health Awareness Month. The month began with a $300,000 gift to help expand access to trusted tools and practical guidance so parents, caregivers and other adults have what they need to support kids through stress, change and everyday challenges.

Throughout the month, Bread Financial and KMHF recognized Kids Mental Health Day at The Grove in Los Angeles, hosted a webinar for Bread Financial associates on kids' mental health and technology, and helped launch a new curriculum for educators to better support military-connected students.  

The company closed the month by serving as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 5K for Kids' Mental Health, held at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio. Hosted by the Columbus Crew, the event brought together nearly 1,400 runners, walkers, volunteers and supporters from across almost 20 states, united by the belief that every child deserves the mental health support they need to thrive. Bread Financial’s 52-member team not only joined the race, but raised nearly $2,000 as the top fundraising team. Together, participants and sponsors raised more than $250,000.

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Volunteer spotlight: Creative giving and meals for students
During Operation Feed, nearly 80 India associates volunteered their creativity and time to help design and create tote bags supported through Akshaya Patra, a non-governmental organization, dedicated to providing nutritious meals to school children.  

Later in the month, 40 associates helped serve meals at Government High School in Bettahalasur, India. Together, they served meals to 250 students and distributed the tote bags.

Through Operation Feed, Bread Financial supported 480 students in India with midday meals for an entire year, extending the impact of associate volunteerism beyond a single day of service.

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Grant spotlight: Growing girls’ confidence 
In the first half of 2026, Bread Financial awarded grants to 19 nonprofits, reflecting the company's commitment to its value, "Be kind and pay it forward." Each organization’s mission aligns with Bread Financial’s purpose-driven priorities: fostering thriving communities, advancing financial wellness and protecting our planet.

Bread Financial also renewed its partnership with Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), the national authority on research, education and programming for girls, with a $1.8 million grant. With this support, ROX plans to expand access to its programs, release an updated edition of The Girls' Index™ in 2028 alongside additional research briefs, and host its largest annual fundraiser, Girls Without Limits.

The grant builds on a long-standing partnership between ROX and Bread Financial. In 2025, with the company's backing, ROX reached all 50 states through its "Fast to 50" initiative. With sustained funding and a nationwide presence, ROX can continue supporting thousands of girls each year.

“The future of our girls – and by extension, the future of our world – depends on our willingness to listen, understand and act,” said Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, founder and CEO of ROX. “It depends on our shared commitment to invest in girls, to provide them with the support and resources they need to flourish.”

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Partner spotlight: Action for Children
Action for Children (AFC) is a local childcare resource and referral agency in central Ohio, serving families and providers across Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties. With more than 50 years of history in the Columbus area, AFC helps transform children’s lives by supporting the adults who care for and educate them.

This year, with funding from Bread Financial, AFC completed its All Our Kin 10-Week Business Series and Coaching Program, which helps family childcare educators manage and grow their home-based businesses. The program covered topics including marketing, accounting, financial management and more. Graduates also had the opportunity to continue their journey through one-on-one business coaching. The program concluded with a graduation to celebrate and reflect on the program.

“We are so proud of each graduate and inspired by the growth, dedication and vision shown throughout the series,” said Tonya Smoot, Program Manager of Action for Children. “From laughter and fellowship to the meaningful moments shared, the evening was truly one to remember. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year impactful!”