Helping neighbors and students take their next step.
Next Step Charity helps Acadiana families get through hard times, and helps Louisiana K-12 students reach the school that's right for them.
Our mission
We relieve hardship for individuals and families in need, and we advance K-12 education by awarding scholarships to eligible Louisiana students. Two programs, two separate funds, one promise: your gift goes where you meant it to go.
Help for neighbors facing hardship
When a job loss, illness, or emergency hits, a little help at the right moment can keep a family on its feet. Our General Assistance Fund provides charitable aid to people in need across Lafayette and Acadiana, using fair, written criteria.
Scholarships for Louisiana K-12 students
We're preparing to operate as a K-12 Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), helping families pay for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses. Over 90% of every scholarship donation goes directly to student scholarships.
of scholarship donations go straight to students
Overhead charged to the Scholarship Fund is capped below 10%. Scholarship money is kept in its own account and is never mixed with general funds.
Why give with us
Local
Founded and run in Lafayette. We know the community we serve.
Separate funds
Scholarship gifts and general gifts are tracked and spent separately, so every dollar goes to the program you chose.
Transparent
We'll share how funds are used as our programs launch, and we'll post our IRS determination once we receive it.
Be part of the first step.
Online giving opens soon. Leave your email and we'll let you know the day it's live.