OUR STORY

Built on "You First"

First Watch has always believed that taking care of people is at the heart of everything we do. The You First Fund is the most direct expression of that belief — a program built by team members, for team members.

YOU FIRST VALUES

We serve with care, openness and purpose. Kindness isn't a policy — it's how we show up for each other every single day.

We are one team that faces challenges and celebrates successes together.

We seek out authentic relationships, sourcing and ingredients — and bring warmth to everything we do.

VISIT FIRST WATCH

FAQs

  • The You First Fund gives all of us an opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow team members. Every contribution helps ensure support is available when someone in the First Watch family we may never meet is facing life's toughest moments.

  • You can support the You First Fund through a recurring payroll deduction in ADP or by making a direct donation through E4E Relief.

  • That's entirely up to you. Every contribution matters, and any sized recurring gift can make a meaningful difference.

  • The fund exists for one purpose: helping First Watch team members through life's toughest moments. Contributions help provide direct financial assistance to eligible employees experiencing qualifying hardships.

  • Yes. Every contribution helps provide financial assistance to fellow First Watch employees facing qualifying hardships. When people across the company give what they can, those contributions add up to meaningful support for those who need it most.

  • Absolutely. First Watch remains a major supporter of the You First Fund through corporate contributions and Kids Menu donations. Combined with voluntary employee giving, these investments help ensure the fund can continue providing assistance to team members facing qualifying hardships.

  • First Watch remains a significant supporter of the fund through corporate contributions and Kids Menu donations. Employee contributions help strengthen the fund's ability to support more team members and respond to a broader range of hardships.

  • No. Donations support the fund as a whole, helping ensure assistance is available wherever and whenever it's needed most.

  • Donations to the You First Fund may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

    • Payroll contributions: Employees will receive an annual contribution summary (or one upon request) for tax purposes.

    • Direct donations through E4E Relief: Donors will receive an acknowledgment letter from E4E Relief, a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

    Because every tax situation is different, we encourage you to consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your contribution.

Supporting the Fund

  • If you're facing a financial hardship and aren't sure whether you qualify, we encourage you to apply. Every situation is unique, and applications are reviewed individually.

  • Visit the You First Fund Relief Portal HERE, select “Apply” and complete the online application.   Once you are confirmed as an active employee (have your clock-in number ready) you’ll be asked to verify your contact information and provide more information about your situation.

  • The fund may be able to help with hardships such as natural disasters, significant home damage, serious illness or injury, the loss of an immediate family member, and other qualifying personal hardships. For a full list, click here.

  • Grant amounts vary based on the situation, eligibility requirements, and available documentation.

  • Most applicants receive a decision within approximately 72 hours after submitting a complete application.  Approved grants are typically distributed within 3-5 business days via ACH or check.

  • Applications are reviewed by E4E Relief, an independent nonprofit organization that administers the fund on behalf of First Watch.

  • Yes. Applications are handled confidentially by E4E Relief and are not reviewed by your manager or fellow team members. Protecting employee privacy is a key part of how the fund operates.

  • No. Assistance from the You First Fund is provided as a grant and never needs to be repaid.

  • Item descriptionFor technical support or more information about the application and review process, visit the E4E Frequently Asked Questions center here: Applicant FAQs  If you still need additional support, feel free to contact us at youfirstfund@firstwatch.com.

Applying for Assistance

  • Anyone can support the You First Fund!  Employees will be able to authorize a recurring payroll deduction in ADP by clicking  HERE  and anyone can set up a one-time or recurring donation directly through E4E Relief HERE.

  • The You First Fund is administered by E4E Relief, a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that specializes in employee hardship and disaster relief programs.

  • The You First Fund was established in 2020 to help employees affected by federally declared disasters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the years, we heard from employees who wanted more ways to support fellow team members facing personal hardships. In 2026, we expanded the fund to provide broader assistance and help more members of the First Watch family when they need it most. Working with E4E Relief allowed us to thoughtfully expand the program while protecting employee privacy and ensuring fair, consistent administration.

  • E4E Relief administers the You First Fund so employees can seek assistance with confidence. Their experienced team reviews each application independently, confidentially, and with care, helping ensure fair decisions and timely support while protecting employee privacy.

  • E4E Relief is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that specializes in administering employee disaster and hardship relief funds. Their experienced team reviews applications independently and confidentially, helping ensure fair, consistent, and timely support for those in need. E4E Relief currently holds a 4-Star Charity Navigator rating for accountability and transparency.

About the Fund

  • Since its launch in 2020, the You First Fund has provided support to more than 1,700 employees and their families. Behind every grant is a story of someone who needed help and a community that stepped forward to provide it. As the fund grows, so does our ability to support future generations of First Watch team members when they need it most.

  • Yes. Receiving assistance from the fund does not prevent you from contributing in the future if and when you're able. Many relief funds are strengthened by people who choose to give back after receiving support themselves.

  • Because hardship can happen to anyone. The You First Fund helps ensure employees have somewhere to turn when facing life's toughest moments and provides a meaningful way for others to help.

  • We'd love to hear from you. If you've received assistance through the You First Fund, contributed to support a fellow team member, or witnessed the fund's impact firsthand, we invite you to share your experience. Your story may help others learn about the fund and the difference it can make. Email your story to youfirstfund@firstwatch.com.

Impact