As founder of Wesley Proctor Ministries, the Southwest Philadelphia native's charitable focus is helping those who give back get focused.
"They say I'm the nonprofit guy," he said. "I help everyday community people establish their nonprofit organization."
Over the years, Proctor has prepared the required documents for more than 800 501(c)(3) organizations. He takes individuals through the process of getting a tax identification number and getting them incorporated. Then, once they are legal, Proctor teaches the groups nonprofit accounting, fundraising, grant writing, board leadership and more.
"There's no formula to say you won't be successful because you live at 54th and Spruce and have four kids," he said. "This opens them up to a global scale of opportunity, and it's really stepping them up on another level."
Proctor said the process makes nonprofits more effective by stretching their reach. A number of past KYW Newsradio GameChangers have been helped by Proctor — ASK Lupus, Childhoodslost Foundation and Mont Brown's Kickback Foundation — all for minimal fees.
His entire education was paid for, and he graduated with zero debt.
"I always wanted to give back in some way," he said, "so individuals wouldn't have to go through what I went though."
Proctor originally wanted to be the president of a college, but ended up volunteering at the Victory Christian Center in West Philadelphia. Currently the executive administrator and youth pastor, he ministers to hundreds of young people.
"I keep them legal so that they can keep on doing the wonderful things that they do," he added. "I want to build game-changers."
Proctor's efforts have been rewarded. Wells Fargo donated a property to Wesley Proctor Ministries near 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue. He's working to renovate the Catherine H. Proctor Community Center and plans to use the space to host his nonprofit workshops and provide a safe haven for youth.
"I am working to help people establish their dream," he explained, "and I am proud that people let me be a part of that."
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