Impact  |  Founder, Executive Director

Inspire One Billion People, Inc.

A Charlotte nonprofit built around education, wellness, opportunity, and financial literacy. Founded on the belief that access, not effort, is what most people are missing.

The Name

Not a target. A philosophy.

Inspire One Billion People is not a target to be counted. It is a philosophy to be lived. The objective is not literally measuring a billion direct interactions. The concept represents a multiplier effect. Help one person. That person affects a family. Families affect communities. Communities affect generations.

Why I Founded It

Access, not effort

I founded Inspire One Billion People after seeing, up close, how much of financial struggle traces back to a lack of access to information and advocacy rather than a lack of effort. I co-founded the organization with Dr. Patricia R. Cruz, DSW, LCSW, who continues to serve on the advisory board, to close that gap early, before financial habits calcify.

The Work

Where the organization has focused

Children's Literacy Mental Health & Wellness Education Financial Literacy Community Events Parent Education Personal Development Workshops Community Partnerships Youth Programming
The Flagship Program

Money Makers Academy

A hands on children's financial literacy program serving two age groups, designed to move beyond simulations and worksheets toward real financial accounts and real world money management experience.

Ages 8 to 12

Foundational Concepts

Saving, budgeting, needs versus wants, banking, earning, and financial goal setting, built for elementary and early middle school learners.

Ages 13 to 17

Advanced Concepts

Banking, credit, debt, entrepreneurship, investing, compound growth, and financial planning, built for teenagers preparing to manage their own money.

Real Accounts, Not Simulations Academy Currency & Badge System Free, Cross Platform App COPPA & FERPA Compliant
Inspire One Billion People, Inc.
Charlotte, NC  |  501(c)(3)  |  Founded by Rick Marvin Cruz
Visit InspireOneBillionPeople.org