Okta commits $50 million to support global digital challenges

Okta has announced a commitment of USD $50 million through its Okta for Good initiative to address global issues in cybersecurity, digital equity, and climate action.

The fund, established in 2018, has previously awarded close to USD $24 million in grants to hundreds of organisations globally.

Erin Baudo Felter, Vice President of Social Impact and Sustainability at Okta, described this commitment as "the next step in Okta's journey."

"In a challenging year where we have seen rising cybersecurity threats, a growing cyber and tech talent gap, and an acceleration of climate emergencies, Okta for Good, Okta's social impact and sustainability initiative, has continued to stay focused on the unique ways Okta, and our ecosystem, can help," she added.

The USD $50 million funding, to be distributed over five years, is allocated to three key areas: Tech for Good, Digital Equity, and Climate Action.

The Tech for Good segment will receive USD $20 million. This portion is dedicated to accelerating digital transformation and strengthening cybersecurity within the social sector. With nonprofits consistently among the top targets for cyberattacks, this initiative aims to provide crucial protection for vulnerable communities and organisations.

A further USD $15 million will be directed towards Digital Equity. This funding will focus on closing the digital divide and expanding economic opportunities in tech and cybersecurity jobs. Given that there are four million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally, Okta acknowledges the urgent need to train the next generation of cyber talent.

Climate Action will receive USD $10 million. This funding is intended to support the security and resilience of communities most impacted by climate change, recognising the interconnected nature of environmental and digital challenges.

An additional USD $5 million will be allocated to support Okta employees' investments in their local communities worldwide.

Among the beneficiaries of Okta for Good's initiatives is Te Kōhanga Reo (TKR), a New Zealand-based organisation dedicated to preserving Māori culture and language. As an Okta for Good recipient, TKR has implemented Okta's identity and access management systems, marking a significant milestone in their digital transformation journey.

TKR focuses on immersing preschool children in the Māori language and values, with approximately 3,500 staff members working across remote parts of Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Access to technology has been a critical challenge for TKR, and Okta's solution provides robust access management and supports essential custom workflows. This ensures that staff members have the necessary police and working with children checks, which is a vital part of TKR's strategy to digitise resources and provide equitable access to education for all children, regardless of their location.

Through the implementation of Okta's systems, TKR has achieved secure and efficient access to necessary platforms while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This has significantly reduced the administrative burden on staff, allowing them to focus more on education and cultural preservation.

Okta has been proactive in supporting various organisations in their digital transformation journeys. The company is a founding partner of Nethope's Center for the Digital Nonprofit and Nethope's Global Humanitarian Information Sharing & Analysis Center (ISAC), which is a unique public-private partnership designed to better protect nonprofits from cyberthreats. Additionally, Okta has been funding CodePath, an organisation dedicated to delivering industry-vetted courses and career support, particularly focusing on the needs of Black, Latine, Indigenous, and low-income students.

In addition to its cybersecurity and digital equity efforts, Okta has been active in climate action initiatives. Since 2022, Okta has supported The Solutions Project, which focuses on scaling solutions, funding, and influence for climate justice, providing grants to more than 300 grassroots solutions across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Indigenous sovereign nations.

The partnership with Te Kōhanga Reo illustrates how Okta's commitment is translating into real-world impact, enabling organisations to overcome technological challenges and fulfil their missions more effectively.

Okta's recently released FY24 Okta for Good Impact Report highlights significant achievements over the past year, including USD $7.3 million in cash contributions from the Okta for Good Fund, Okta employees participating at a rate of 88% in giving and volunteering initiatives, and USD $6.0 million in technology and services donated. The company has supported approximately 4,000 nonprofits through these efforts.