Associates For Associates (A4A) Emergency Fund

How You Can Help 

All interested associates can make a tax-deductible financial donation to the Associates for Associates Emergency Fund. 

Three Ways to Give 

1. Make an online gift directly to the fund. 

2. Mail a check payable to "The Columbus Foundation" and reference "A4A" in the memo to: Bath & Body Works Associates for Associates Emergency Fund, C/O The Columbus Foundation, 1234 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205. 

3. U.S. Associates; Click here to sign-up for ongoing contributions through payroll deductions or to make updates to an existing contribution. 

4. Canadian Associates; Click here to sign-up for ongoing contributions through payroll deductions or to make updates to an existing contribution. 

Note: For donations made via payroll deductions, acknowledgement of your tax-deductible donation will appear on your W-2. 

How to Apply for Emergency Assistance 

Associates for Associates Emergency Fund will provide grants up to $2,500 for food, shelter, and other basic needs to associates experiencing financial hardship due to an unexpected personal crisis. 

How to Apply 

Complete an online application. Need help with the application? Watch this video or contact bbwa4a@columbusfoundation.org or call (614) 545-7555.

Associate Volunteerism

We are passionate about helping improve our local communities, and our associates keep the spirit of giving alive all year long by contributing their time and talents to nonprofits across the U.S. and Canada. We develop and lead giving initiatives that connect our associates to key nonprofits and important causes, including brand-wide annual associate giving programs. Activities throughout the year often include cleaning up community gardens and local parks, assembling furniture to furnish homes, donating books, hosting clothing drives, and mentoring youth.

Giving Spotlight

Since 2022, Brett Hamilton has been part of a team of in-house chefs who cook up delicious meals in Bath & Body Works’ Columbus cafés. In 2024, when asked if he would like to leverage his and his team’s culinary skills and support in-need young adults, he jumped at the chance. Working with a team of Bath & Body Works volunteers, Hamilton oversaw the preparation of 100 individual meals of lasagna, salad and dessert. Besa, the company’s volunteer partner, helped find the perfect recipient: Star House, Central Ohio’s only drop-in center for youth ages 14–24 experiencing homelessness. Hamilton and other volunteers brought the meals to Star House, where they were “greeted with smiling faces and thank-yous,” Hamilton recalls. In November, Hamilton’s colleague Dave Hickman suggested putting together Thanksgiving meals for Star House. This time, volunteers packed 75 meals that could be picked up and enjoyed later. “This [volunteering opportunity] is what we do as a company — it is our culture,” explains Hamilton, who plans to continue using his skills to give back through Bath & Body Works' volunteer program.

Associate Nonprofit Board Service

Bath & Body Works’ leaders have incredible skill sets that have the power to ignite change, not just for one organization, but for the community as a whole. To support our senior leaders in matching their skills and passions with causes at national, regional and local levels, we partner with an external consultant for board matching and training opportunities. In 2024, we matched our third cohort with nonprofit boards. As of summer 2025, we have associates serving on 36 nonprofit governing boards.