Pathward Awards Grant to EmBe to Support Programs that Uplift Families

National bank headquartered in Sioux Falls gives back to community through local nonprofit.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:07pm

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Pathward, a national bank focused on financial access, has awarded a $30,000 grant to its long-time community partner, EmBe, a South Dakota nonprofit dedicated to empowering families through education and opportunity. The grant will expand Pathward's support of two programs: Making Cent$ Financial Literacy and Dress for Success Career Readiness, including funding, increased employee volunteer engagement, and donated laptops to enhance program delivery.

Why it matters

This investment by Pathward aligns with its broader community impact goals of promoting financial inclusion, supporting workforce development, and strengthening local nonprofit partnerships. By supporting these programs, Pathward and EmBe are helping people across South Dakota build pathways to economic mobility and long-term success.

The details

The charitable investment will expand Pathward's support of two programs: Making Cent$ Financial Literacy and Dress for Success Career Readiness. In addition to the $30,000 in funding, Pathward has increased employee volunteer engagement and donated 20 laptops to enhance program delivery, including support for hybrid and virtual learning opportunities. Through Making Cent$, Pathward will now support two program cohorts annually, doubling its previous commitment. The Dress for Success Career Readiness program provides personalized career coaching, resume and interview preparation, and professional styling support to help individuals successfully enter or re-enter the workforce.

  • Pathward has expanded its support of EmBe through volunteer efforts, program sponsorships and laptop donations since 2016.

The players

Pathward

A national bank focused on financial access and a subsidiary of Pathward Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASH).

EmBe

A South Dakota nonprofit dedicated to empowering families through education and opportunity.

Catherine McGlown

Pathward Senior Vice President of Communications, Sustainability and Public Policy.

Natonya Harbison

Pathward Vice President, Financial Access Center of Excellence.

Kerri Tietgen

EmBe Chief Executive Officer.

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What they’re saying

“We are pleased to award EmBe with a grant this year. Through funding, volunteerism and other contributions to organizations like EmBe, Pathward aims to support programs that create opportunities for individuals to achieve financial stability and economic mobility.”

— Catherine McGlown, Pathward Senior Vice President of Communications, Sustainability and Public Policy

“Pathward's award-winning Community Impact Program is focused on advancing financial inclusion and expanding access to opportunity. Financial literacy is a critical component of our program, and we're proud to support EmBe in delivering this important programming to the Sioux Falls community.”

— Natonya Harbison, Pathward Vice President, Financial Access Center of Excellence

“We appreciate Pathward's continued support of our mission. This year's funding and laptop donations will strengthen our Making Cent$ Financial Literacy and Dress for Success Career Readiness programs, equipping participants with the tools, confidence and resources needed to achieve financial stability and career success.”

— Kerri Tietgen, EmBe Chief Executive Officer

The takeaway

This partnership between Pathward and EmBe demonstrates the power of corporate-nonprofit collaboration to create meaningful impact in local communities. By investing in financial literacy and workforce development programs, Pathward is helping to break down barriers and provide pathways for individuals and families to achieve economic mobility and long-term success.