Since 2018, over 150 guaranteed income pilots have launched across the US. Unlike traditional public benefits, these programs provide unrestricted cash assistance to recipients, allowing them to choose how to best use their resources. Studies show guaranteed income can improve children’s education outcomes and well-being, boost adult mental and physical health, strengthen parenting quality, and support housing and food security.

In this guide, we first outline how nonprofits, state and local service providers, and other practitioners can build a guaranteed income program. You’ll learn how to tailor a program to your community, select target groups, engage residents, administer the program, and create a smooth payment experience.

In the second section, we explain how to form a coalition of guaranteed income programs to amplify your collective impact across your region. By collaborating across programs, leaders can share insights, better integrate direct cash support into existing safety net programs, and unify efforts to inform policy.

This guide is based on lessons learned from the Los Angeles Guaranteed Income Coordinating Council (LA GICC). Launched in 2022, LA GICC links 14 pilots serving low-income communities in Los Angeles County, including foster youth, seniors, and mothers. Across these pilots, monthly cash relief payments range from $400 to $1,000 per participant; the number of participants ranges from 25 to over 3,000; and pilot duration varies from one to three years. Pilots also differ in terms of payment schedule and service model. By linking these diverse pilots, LA GICC helps pilot programs share best practices and work together to shape policy in the region.

Jump to the Overview of Pilots to learn more about each LA GICC pilot.

By the end of this guide, you’ll learn how thoughtful design, community input, a strong evaluation approach, and coalition-building are essential to an impactful direct-cash support program—whether for a small neighborhood or a county-wide initiative.