Paycom's Chad Richison and Wife Charis Lead Efforts to Transform Oklahoma Communities

For Chad Richison, founder and CEO of Paycom, and his wife, Charis Richison, philanthropy is about making a tangible impact in their home state of Oklahoma. Their efforts span the arts, education and mental health, creating opportunities for children and families as they support organisations that foster community growth.

Chad's generosity also extends to the health sector, where he made a $5 million donation to help complete a new American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Oklahoma City. As a capstone donor, the facility was named the American Cancer Society Chad Richison Hope Lodge. This facility offers free lodging to cancer patients and their families near the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center.

Through their hands-on involvement, the Richison Family Foundation and Paycom address immediate needs while investing in long-term change.

Extending Their Impact: Opening Doors to the Arts and Education

The Richisons are dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation. Their ongoing support for the arts and education ensures that young people across the state can thrive, no matter the issues.

Paycom and Charis work closely with the Civic Center Foundation to make live theatre accessible to Oklahoma students who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

In 2023, more than 200 local students attended Hamilton at the Civic Center. The following year, over 100 students were treated to a performance of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.

The attending students were enrolled in partner schools and community groups, including Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, Millwood Public Schools, the Latino Community Development Agency, the Alpha Community Foundation and Upstage Theatre. This past year, an Oklahoma Girl Scouts troop also received Broadway tickets, highlighting their continued partnership with and support of community members across the district.

They recently presented a $50,000 check to the Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) Foundation to benefit students and educators. The donation will help fund teacher-led projects on the DonorsChoose platform, provide free education for aspiring educators through the Teacher Pipeline Program and bolster the ReadOKC initiative to improve literacy and inspire a love of reading.

Supporting Oklahoma Through the Pandemic

In the early days of COVID-19, Chad and Charis Richison quickly mobilised to support needy Oklahomans. They donated $1 million to the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation to address immediate and long-term needs, including expanded meal access, weekly instructional packets and classroom upgrades.

Charis said, 'Helping children is close to my heart, and I'm honored to play a part in the Foundation's efforts to get resources to those who need them the most.'

Beyond education, Chad committed $17 million to the Green Shoe Foundation in 2024. Chad founded this nonprofit in 2015, where they offer a free five-day mental health retreat to help adults address past experiences, such as childhood trauma while working to create better futures by allowing participants to live a life of peace and maturity.

To fight food insecurity, the Richisons pledged $2 million to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, $150,000 to Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City, and $200,000 to the Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma City. They have since given even more to these organisations and others who serve similar missions.

Chad and Charis Richison's charitable endeavours aim to build a brighter future by creating meaningful opportunities for children, families and organisations. On a broader scale, the Richisons remain deeply committed to supporting sustainable causes that foster growth and resilience.