This story was submitted as part of the #Pledge1Gives GivingTuesday campaign, which celebrates the many ways our member companies are having an impact around the world.
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Following the example set by Pledge 1%, Nextep is committed to donating time, dollars, and services to organizations bettering the community. Each year, the Nextep Charitable Foundation donates $100,000 to various organizations. In 2020, Nextep decided to dedicate a large portion of those funds to organizations that support the Black community.
In early June of 2020, Brian Fayak, Nextep founder and CEO, announced the Nextep Charitable Foundation would donate $50,000 and match employee donations to organizations supporting the Black community.
“I believe that at Nextep, we get a lot of things right as an employer and as a thought leader in our community. That being said, I have no delusions of perfection — we can do better,” Fayak said. “We’re a team full of passionate, intelligent, and action-oriented people. I’m optimistic and hopeful that we’ll come together to drive positive change in our organization and community.”
As part of this commitment, Nextep pulled together a committee to research and find organizations that aligned with their initiatives and could use support to further their mission.
The committee chose five organizations to receive $10,000 to further their efforts and projects. Through this initiative, Nextep hopes to support these organizations and bring awareness to the great work they’re doing in the community.
The first organization to receive a donation was Grand Gentlemen. It’s dedicated to “uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring young men of color to secure their future.” (Grand Gentlemen) The organization does this through mentorship, culture-based artistic entertainment, and their “Man of the Year Award” scholarship program.
The next donation went to Knowing Your Worth. The nonprofit offers workshops, support, and mentorship to girls ages 11 to 18 in an effort to build strong, confident women.
Nextep also donated to Progress OKC, an organization working to revitalize underdeveloped communities and create opportunities for low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Along with their partners, Progress OKC does this through community development, affordable housing, and economic development.
The fourth donation went to The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM). The organization uses job training, education, mentorship, and social services to help individuals who are or have been incarcerated get back on their feet.
Nextep’s most recent donation was made to the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City. The nonprofit works to accomplish its mission through workforce and career development, education and family development, housing and financial literacy, and community convening and social justice.
These donations are only the beginning. Nextep is committed to finding more ways to support the Black community and partnering with organizations that are doing the same. Learn more about each organization on Nextep’s blog page.
