Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot Participants: Insights and Personal Journeys

Program Summary

The UpLift initiative in central Iowa has established a basic income experiment, unaffected by the recent state legislation prohibiting the use of public funds for such endeavors.

This program persists due to its diverse funding streams comprising private, public, and corporate contributions from eleven different supporters.

This financial diversity ensures an uninterrupted continuation of the initiative.

Participants, totalling 110 from Polk, Warren, and Dallas counties, receive $500 monthly as part of the program that commenced last year and is anticipated to extend until April of the subsequent year.

The endeavor aims to evaluate the impacts of additional income on the lives of individuals.

At a recent gathering, beneficiaries of the program shared personal accounts of the financial assistance’s impact.

One narrative detailed the prevention of eviction and facilitated transportation to vocational training, leading to certification in sterile processing.

A financial breakdown by UpLift revealed the allocation of the distributed funds:

• Food and Groceries: The largest portion, 42%, was spent on sustenance and household necessities.
• Retail and Services: Approximately a fourth of the funds, 26%, was utilized for purchasing goods and services.
• Transportation: Participants dedicated 11% of the money for their travel needs.
• Leisure: A minimal 4% was allotted for travel, entertainment, and leisure activities.

The outcomes of UpLift’s research are scheduled for release in the summer of 2026.

The program endeavors to yield valuable data specific to Iowa, contributing to the ongoing discourse surrounding basic income schemes.