Introducing UpLift- The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot!

Introducing UpLift–The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot!

UpLift is the first basic income pilot to take place in Iowa. This community learning opportunity will study the impacts of an unrestricted, no-strings-attached basic income of $500 per month for 24 months. Selected individuals are free to use the monthly payments to best meets their needs. 

Basic income is a poverty reduction strategy that gives individuals and families greater flexibility and stability to meet their basic living needs (food, housing, health care, childcare, etc.). The data collected from this pilot will use participant voice to support community resource decisions. The data will also add to the growing research that shows providing a monthly income payment to those living in poverty is an effective and cost-efficient way to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities. 

UpLift’s Project Coordination Team is housed at The Harkin Institute at Drake University. Project Coordinators Ashley Ezzio and Michael Berger provide all applicant and participant assistance and interact with the general public about the pilot. They are also responsible for collaborating with community partners to increase pilot awareness and bringing Iowa voice to the national basic income conversation.  

This basic income pilot would not be possible without the support of UpLift’s funders and community partners. These organizations have been instrumental in helping spread awareness about the project, as well as providing advertising, marketing, translation and interpretation services, and benefits counseling. UpLift’s purpose is to find the best ways to address poverty and move individuals and families from surviving to thriving. This would not be possible without the support of our dedicated funders and community partners. 

The application to be a part of UpLift- The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot and the chance to receive $500 per month will be open from February 17-27, 2023. You can find more information about eligibility and how to apply by clicking here.