The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot Project is a cross-sector collaboration focused on implementing a basic income program model in central Iowa. Following successful models across the nation, the pilot project will provide 110 low-income individuals with $500 each month for two years. These payments will provide individuals with greater stability by helping them meet their basic living needs, thus reducing adversity within families and moving people from surviving to thriving in our community.
Learning throughout the project will identify specific health and well-being impacts on low-income families whose essential needs are met and the subsequent impacts on the community. Similar projects have shown benefits with health, employment, child development, and quality of life. By tracking how individuals use their income each month, this pilot project can inform where public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit resources can be more intentionally directed for greater impact, rather than investing in addressing the broad spectrum of needs that arise when people are in crisis.
Learn about similar projects throughout the U.S. on our resource page.
The project is a partnership with local public and private funders, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Mid-Iowa Health Foundation's Board of Directors has made a $200,000 commitment to the project.
UPDATED TIMELINE: A launch event will take place in February 2023.