The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has announced its intent to award more than $25 million in grant funding to seven guaranteed income pilot projects across the state. These pilots will provide unconditional, individual, regular cash payments intended to disrupt poverty, advance equity, and support the basic needs of recipients. These State-funded pilot programs will serve approximately 1,975 individuals across California with monthly payments ranging from $600-$1,200 per month, for a period of 12 to 18 months. All pilots will participate in program evaluation activities led by the Urban Institute and the University of California, Berkeley.
The California Guaranteed Income Pilot Program was established by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature to provide grants to eligible entities for the purpose of pilot programs and projects that provide a guaranteed income to participants. The CDSS prioritized funding pilots that will serve California residents who are pregnant or aging out of extended foster care.
“We are excited to launch these groundbreaking pilot projects throughout California and I want to thank the Governor and Legislature for yet another historic investment in the fight against poverty in California,” said CDSS Director Kim Johnson. “These pilots will serve as an important opportunity to assess the impact of an economic intervention during key life transitions, such as the birth of a child or entry into independence after extended foster care.”
The pilots aim to build on the success and lessons learned from prior guaranteed income projects, including a pilot effort launched in Stockton known as the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration.
“I am proud to see my home state of California ushering in the promise of a guaranteed income to build financial resilience among our residents,” said Special Advisor for Economic Mobility and Opportunity and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income Founder Michael Tubbs. “Just as we saw with the pilot I led as mayor of Stockton, I’m confident these funds will provide crucial support for families and strengthen our communities.”
The CDSS intends to issue funding in the following amounts to these organizations:
• Expecting Justice (Heluna Health DBA Public Health Foundation Enterprises, Inc.) in the amount of $5,000,000. Pilot will provide 425 pregnant individuals who are disproportionately impacted by perinatal health disparities with $600-$1,000 per month for 12 months.
• Inland Southern California United Way in the amount of $5,000,000. Pilot will provide 500 pregnant individuals and 150 former foster youth with $600 per month for 18 months.
• iFoster, Inc. in the amount of $4,763,010. Pilot will provide 300 former foster youth with $750 per month for 18 months.
• Los Angeles Section National Council of Jewish Women, Inc. in the amount of $3,681,949. Pilot will provide 150 pregnant individuals who have diabetes with $1,000 per month for 18 months.
• San Francisco Human Services Agency in the amount of $3,300,000. Pilot will provide 150 former foster youth with $1,200 per month for 18 months.
• McKinleyville Community Collaborative in the amount of $2,354,841. Pilot will provide 150 pregnant individuals with $1,000 per month for 18 months.
• Ventura County Human Services Agency in the amount of $1,500,000. Pilot will provide 150 youth former foster youth with $1,000 per month for 18 months.
For additional information and future updates on the pilots, visit the CDSS webpage.
