The groundwork for Funding the Future was laid in 2010 when artist and founder Gooding was invited to speak about financial literacy in the music business to Los Angeles students as part of John Hope Bryant’s “Operation Hope.” Bringing his guitar along, Gooding encouraged students to call out any style of music, and he would jam to their requests. Gooding knew from his own struggles how many people lacked the financial literacy and skills needed to make informed, smart decisions. It was in that moment Gooding realized live music could be the perfect way to build trust and effectively convey this important message.
Drawing from his personal experiences and his ability to connect with others, Gooding recognized an opportunity to make a lasting impact. He saw that financial literacy, though crucial, was often overlooked in traditional education systems. With his background as an artist and his passion for helping others, he knew he could merge his musical talents with a powerful educational message to inspire and engage youth.
By 2012, Gooding launched the first Funding the Future show in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. This performance blended financial literacy education with the energy of a live musical experience, offering students an unforgettable way to learn. This first show was a defining moment for Funding the Future and set the stage for what would become a nationwide movement.
Building on the initial success of these shows, Funding the Future was established as a nonprofit organization headquartered in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Early support came from the United Way of Laramie County, Wyoming, which acted as the fiscal agent for the organization. With this backing, Funding the Future applied for and successfully received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in late 2013, solidifying its commitment to empowering youth through financial education.
In the years that followed, the program continued to grow and expand. In 2017, Funding the Future welcomed artist Carter Hulsey to its lineup, increasing the organization’s outreach and bringing the educational program to more students across the United States. The partnership with Hulsey allowed the nonprofit to reach a broader audience, increasing its ability to make an impact in schools and communities nationwide.
Today, Funding the Future continues to thrive, working to bridge the gap in financial education for young people. By combining powerful performances with essential life lessons in personal finance, the organization is creating a new generation of financially empowered youth.
As we move forward, Funding the Future remains dedicated to its mission of providing engaging, interactive, and informative financial literacy experiences for students of all backgrounds. With each show, the program impacts more lives, proving that financial education doesn’t have to be boring—it can be exciting, inspiring, and transformative.
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