Bread Financial® promotes power of Paying it Forward

Volunteer spotlight: India associates support education through donation, volunteering
Bread Financial recently committed $10,000 USD to Makkala Jagrithi, a non-governmental organization (NGO) with a mission to empower youth through access to education. On top of the donation, Bread Financial's Sustainability Committee, which brings associates together to support environmental efforts through volunteering and awareness activities, partnered with Makkala Jagrithi to support a school adoption initiative at Government Higher Primary School, Devanahalli.

More than 50 volunteers assembled nearly 100 educational kits for students. The following day, a group of associates visited the school to distribute the kits and spend time engaging with students, creating a meaningful and memorable learning experience.

"It was inspiring to see associates come together for our sustainability event, packing and distributing educational kits for young learners," Sasikumar Ananthan, senior director, platform engineering, said. "It was a rewarding experience to see our commitment to giving back translated into meaningful action for the students and the school community. Together, we supported young learners through a simple initiative that reflects our commitment to education, sustainability and giving back."

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Volunteer spotlight: People & Culture team develops skills-based learning with Canine Companions
Canine Companions, a nonprofit that provides service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities, recently identified a need for additional staff training through its annual employee engagement survey. Bread Financial's People & Culture team helped bring that opportunity to life with a specialized training session for more than 40 of the nonprofit’s leaders.

The “Productive Conversations” session was tailored to the organization and focused on practical skills for navigating difficult conversations, listening to understand and validating emotions.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to use my professional skills in a way that could make a meaningful difference,” Chris Hammond, corporate trainer, people management and development, said. “Working with the leaders at Canine Companions reinforced how I can put my knowledge and experience to work in the community.”

The collaboration reflects Bread Financial’s growing focus on skills-based volunteer opportunities that allow associates to share their professional expertise with community partners. The series will continue in November with a “Cascading Communication” session.

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Company program spotlight: Help Right Here impacts those in need
Funded by associates, for associates, Help Right Here provides financial assistance to those facing unexpected hardship. Associates can apply for support following a natural disaster, catastrophic event or personal tragedy to help ease the financial burden. So far in 2026, the fund has provided nearly $70,000 in financial assistance to associates in need.

Maria Muñoz, an associate who was supported by the program following her breast cancer diagnosis shares, “I had to put money down for treatments each week. Having that financial assistance was a huge weight off my shoulders.”

Nonprofit partner spotlight: 2nd and 7 brightens volunteer space
In August, Bread Financial built a special installation in the 2nd & 7 Columbus Kids’ Book Bank Volunteer Area. 2nd & 7 promotes a life-long love of reading for kids by providing free books and positive role models.

This new interactive wall art allows volunteers to sign their name or take pictures in the space while helping the next generation of readers. The mural represents Bread Financial's shared commitment to building early literacy and math skills.

"The mural is really going to liven up our volunteer space,” Mike Jones, director at the 2nd & 7 Columbus Kids' Book Bank, said. "It aligns with who we are and what we do at 2nd & 7. We’re excited for groups to come in, and as they’re sorting through thousands of books to get them out into the community, they’re going to be able to leave their mark.”

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