UNICEF USA NextGen

We Won't Stop Fighting for the Next Generation

NextGen is a dynamic and close-knit community united in their commitment to making a more equitable world for children and providing a space for individuals to express significant and strategic impact through giving their resources, time, and skills to support UNICEF’s lifesaving work. NextGen is intentionally diverse, with varying degrees of entry to ensure that we can learn and grow from each other’s unique backgrounds and shared vision in making the world a better place for the next generation.

Join NextGen

Children get water from an outdoor dispenser. One of the children is wearing the blue UNICEF backpack.

Our Mission

NextGen’s mission is to engage and inspire the next generation of leaders in support of UNICEF's global work – leveraging our potential for catalytic impact as philanthropists, activists, and advocates for every child.

Join NextGen

To enter the NextGen network, individuals make a base donation of $20 a month as a symbol of their commitment to UNICEF’s work, with many supporters choosing to scale up their monthly contribution or donate a lump sum based on a percentage of their annual income.

From there, NextGen donors amplify their impact by leading fundraising efforts, advocating for the protection of children's rights, applying to a NextGen Board, and engaging in learning opportunities to expand every child’s opportunity to reach their full potential. Join NextGen Today!

UNICEF Join NextGen
Photo: NextGen member, Brian Buckmire, gives presentation during community panel.

How We Work

Amplify icon
Amplify
Share UNICEF’s work and impact to diverse audiences to raise awareness for children’s rights and emergency contexts
Connect icon
Connect
Join a cause conscious community, attend learning engagements with your peers, and serve as a vital bridge to corporations, startups, non-profits, or other entities working towards the Sustainable Development Goals
Advocate icon
Advocate
Stay informed about the most pressing challenges and needs in the world today so that we are equipped to advocate and influence policies that impact children’s wellbeing
Fundraise icon
Fundraise
Give and raise funds to expand UNICEF’s programs and reach, organize fundraising, participate in peer-to-peer activation and innovative financing models
Lead icon
Lead
Lend leadership insights and industry experience to leverage funds, awareness, and policy changes in support of UNICEF’s lifesaving efforts

Our Impact

Since 2009, NextGen has used a number of innovative giving models to maximize their support for children everywhere. In the US alone, NextGen has collectively raised over $18 million in support of 20+ UNICEF projects around the world. The projects NextGen supports span the breath of UNICEF's focus areas—from nutrition to child protection to maternal and neonatal health and more. View our past projects below.

Water for Guinea
Help the people of Guinea drill wells to deliver safe, clean water to hundreds of thousands of children.
Dominican Republic
In 2019, NextGen began fundraising $100,000 for the Mothers and Babies in Good Care Initiative, to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality within the country.
Madagascar
In late 2018, NextGen began fundraising over $272k for "Ending Violence Against Children" in Madagascar
Jordan
In 2017, NextGen’s efforts raised $100,000 for a pilot program to empower Syrian refugee women in Jordan, while providing neonatal kits to new mothers living in refugee camps.

Where We Work

Our five NextGen Leadership Boards are located in Atlanta, the Bay Area, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City. Board members take their support to the next level and serve as committed donors, thought leaders and representatives of UNICEF USA. While the bulk of our NextGen activities take place in these five hubs, interested young professionals can take the NextGen pledge from anywhere, at any time. If you are interested in launching a board in your city, please reach out to nextgen@unicefusa.org. Find out what's going on in a city near you and learn more about what it takes to join a NextGen Board.

Nextgen members talking

Become Part of the Next Generation

As a member, your monthly pledge will help UNICEF save and improve children's lives, but beyond your NextGen pledge, we'll help you grow as a champion for children within the humanitarian space. You'll have access to exclusive networking and learning opportunities with UNICEF, and will be among an inspiring group of leaders in their 20s and 30s who are united by their dedication to UNICEF and the world's children.

Become a NextGen Member

UNICEF NextGen Founder’s Circle

In 2009, a group of thirty committed leaders came together to form UNICEF Next Generation. Since the original National NextGen Board was formed, new founders have helped us grow and launch additional boards in Atlanta, the Bay Area, Chicago and Los Angeles with plans to expand into more regional markets in the coming years. We thank all of our founders who established this powerful community, now guided by five distinct boards, across the USA and expanding NextGen across the globe! Your legacy will be felt for years to come.

Jenna Bush Hager, Founding Chair
Danielle Abraham
Elizabeth Barrow
Mia Baxter
Adam Berninger
Jessica E. Betts
Margaret W. Betts
Barbara Bush
Clementine T. Crawford
Nell Diamond
Arielle Diskin
Megan Ferguson
Brian Forde
Meredith R. Gitomer
Emily Griset
Gillian Hearstiniel
Erich Holmsten
Gloria Holmsten
Louise Hooff
Kevin Houlihan
Jaime Jimenez
Geoffrey Johnston
Elise Jordan
John Kluge Jr.
Rebecca Kelly
Candice Kislack
Amy Koch
Anika Kreider
Denise C. Chyette Larsen
David Lauren
Lauren Bush Lauren
Brian Lee
Benjamin Lurie
Elizabeth Marsh
Anna Matthews
Nathan Miller
Purvi Padia
Caroline J. Polisi
Jillian G. Robins
Matt Rosenberg
Jason Rotter
Krystal Sachs
Maya Samuelsson
Cathryn Smeyers
Wendy Wear Stapleton
Manish Vora
Ashley I. Weaver
Brooke Worthington
James Ziniel