Celebrating Five Years of Transformative Impact for Marginalized Youth
Raleigh, NC — November 13, 2025 — NextGen Thriving is proud to announce the release of its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting five years of transformative work to empower historically marginalized youth through life skills training, job readiness, and pathways to economic independence.
Founded in 2020 by Richard C. Ricks in loving memory of his son Patrick, NextGen Thriving has grown into a strategic philanthropic partner for nonprofits nationwide. In less than five years, the Foundation has awarded over $550,000 in grants, impacting 1,953 youth ages 16–24 across communities in New York City, Atlanta, and Houston.
Key Highlights from the Report
- $550,000+ disbursed to four high-impact organizations:
- Code for Life: Teaching coding languages to 500+ youth in NYC
- Invictus Bakery: Scaling inclusive employment for young adults with autism
- JUMA Ventures: Providing jobs, financial literacy, and career support to 161 youth
- Year Up: Driving operational excellence to expand career training nationwide
- 1,953 youth engaged in coding, baking, financial literacy, and job readiness programs
- Operational Excellence: Rigorous compliance, financial transparency, and milestone-based funding ensure sustainable impact
Our vision goes beyond funding—it’s about building an ecosystem of nonprofits that learn and grow together, said Richard C. Ricks, Founder and Board Chair. With a dedicated COO, Board of Directors, and a mature operating model, we are poised to deepen our impact and expand geographically.
Looking Ahead
NextGen Thriving, in collaboration with long-time grantee, Code for Life, plans to launch a new training site in Beaufort County, South Carolina, in 2026, drawing on Code for Life’s proven training model. The Foundation remains committed to equity, innovation, and compassion—ensuring every dollar creates systemic change.
Join us in empowering the next generation to thrive.
Join the Movement
Your support can drive real change. Join us in transforming lives. Whether through direct donations, corporate sponsorships, or stock gifts, your investment will help create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Why Fund NextGen Thriving?
- 100% of donations are allocated to our Grants Program thanks to our corporate sponsor, Silver Tree Consulting & Services and the generosity of our Founder, Richard C. Ricks
- An investment in NextGen Thriving is strengthening an ecosystem of high-impact nonprofits, driving sustainable, scalable change for historically marginalized youth
- Our Board of Directors is deeply engaged and 100% invested in the mission
- Demonstrated operational excellence through legal compliance, monthly financial reconciliation and expense tracking, Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statements submitted annually by the Board, and Standard Operating Procedures
Our Grants Program does more than fund organizations aligned with our mission—we invest in their long-term success. We have already made a measurable difference since our founding in 2020:
- $550,000 total funds disbursed to 4 nonprofit organizations
- 1,953 total youth (ages 16-24) engaged through our programming
- How We’re Preparing Youth for the Future
- Vocational training in baking and coding languages, including Web Basics (HTML, CSS), JavaScript, React, Node.js, Mongo dB, Python and Machine Learning
- Job placements and career training on financial capability, education and career support services
- Geographic Communities Served – Harlem, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Staten Island, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; Houston, Texas