Summer Is Almost Upon Us

May 27,2026

As the school year winds down and summer rolls in, we’ve been reflecting on what an incredible Spring 2026 tour it turned out to be.

Over the course of 31 shows, we had the privilege of reaching more than 15,000 students across the country. Every single performance, conversation, and connection reminded us why we love doing this work. Huge thanks to all of the schools that welcomed us into your communities and to the sponsors who helped make the tour possible. We truly couldn’t do it without you.

Now we’re already looking ahead to Fall 2026. Plans are coming together for shows in Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, and several states throughout the Northeast. If you’re interested in sponsoring a show or bringing us to your school or community, we’d love to hear from you.

While summer gives us a chance to slow down just a little, there’s still plenty happening behind the scenes.

Gooding’s Summer Plans

Gooding has a full summer lined up — both creatively and personally.

First up, he’s taking his wife to Chicago to catch a few baseball games and enjoy some time away together. Beyond that, he’s been fully embracing a nostalgia kick centered around the 80s rock guitarists he grew up listening to.

“I’ve been reading books about those bands, listening to old records, and honestly just having a blast revisiting all of it,” he said.

He’s also hard at work on the follow-up to The Forgotten Plains Vol. 1. Appropriately enough, the new project will be titled The Forgotten Plains Volume Two.

The record pulls from stories and experiences gathered while growing up and touring through Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Montana.

Outside of music, Gooding plans to spend as much time as possible with his wife, his little boy, and their “misbehaving dog.”

Carter’s Summer Plans

Carter has a packed summer ahead as well.

A brand-new single is on the way soon — a collaboration with artist Fleuke called You Should Leave Now. He’ll also be performing a Bruce Springsteen tribute show and appearing at The Bluebird at the beginning of June before heading out on a short northern tour in mid-June.

The summer tour will include stops in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan.

Tour dates and updates can be found at www.carterhulsey.com.

As always, thank you for supporting the music, the message, and the mission behind these tours. We’re grateful for every school, sponsor, student, and supporter who helps keep this moving forward.

We’ll see you this fall.

— The Funding the Future Team

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