how money works before
the world taught them
the hard way?
mobility rank — U.S. cities
children below poverty line
and attitudes begin forming
children receive before age 15
Charlotte ranks among the worst major U.S. cities for economic mobility. Children in underserved communities grow up without the financial knowledge others take for granted. By the time formal money education arrives — if at all — the habits, mindsets, and missed opportunities are already compounding against them.
- Not taught how to save, budget, or manage money
- No banking education before high school
- No framework for building or protecting credit
- No path to entrepreneurship or investment thinking
best by using it.
- Real money in real 529 or UTMA accounts — not simulations
- Cohort model builds peer accountability and depth
- Earlier intervention than any other Charlotte program
- Every graduate leaves with a funded, active account
- No competitor combines these elements at ages 8–17
- Money basics and budgeting
- Opening a savings account
- Needs vs. wants
- Goal setting and saving
- Simple earning concepts
- Credit and debt awareness
- Banking and investing basics
- Entrepreneurship fundamentals
- Compound interest and growth
- Financial planning skills
| Cycle length | 10 to 12 weeks per semester |
| Cohort size | 10 to 20 students per group |
| Annual reach | 100 to 200 children |
| Delivery venues | Schools, centers, churches, corporate hosts |
| Seed capital | $500 to $1,000 deposited to child's 529 or UTMA account |
Educational Purpose: Money Makers Academy is a financial literacy education program operated by Inspire One Billion People Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in North Carolina. This program is designed solely for educational purposes.
Not Financial or Legal Advice: IOBP does not provide financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Information presented about 529 College Savings Plans and UTMA Custodial Accounts is for general educational purposes only. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to consult a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or licensed attorney before opening any account.
Seed Capital: Seed capital contributions are made by IOBP as documented charitable program expenditures. IOBP acts solely as a contributing donor and never serves as custodian on any participant account. Account selection and opening is the sole responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. UTMA contributions are irrevocable gifts that legally and permanently belong to the child upon deposit.
Account Selection: All decisions regarding account type (529 Plan or UTMA), financial institution, and custodian are made solely by the parent or guardian. IOBP does not recommend any specific financial institution, investment product, or account provider.
Program Participation: Participation is subject to a signed Program Participation Agreement. Space is limited. Enrollment is not guaranteed. Program details including cohort dates and seed capital amounts are subject to change without notice.
Inspire One Billion People Inc. | 6000 Fairview Dr., Suite 1200, Charlotte, NC 28210 | 501(c)(3) Nonprofit | EIN available upon request