NEST stands for “Navigating Economic Stability Together” and is a privately funded basic income pilot designed to increase economic stability for families in the Grinnell community. Participants receive $500 per month for 18 months with no restrictions on how they use the funds. See more below including criteria for participants.
Applications are now open!
THE PURPOSE OF NEST
NEST (navigating economic stability together) is more than an acronym. It stands for an idea that a basic level of stability can be attainable, one step at a time. It is an idea in its infancy with so much to learn, test and refine – with a goal to no longer be an idea, but a breakthrough that will form a more stable foundation. A goal that will be accomplished together.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Through contributions from locally based and private individuals and organizations, funding is available to supply 15 eligible, randomly selected families with a monthly cash gift. NEST will work with families, conduct research, and evaluate the impact. The hope is that these families will feel one step closer to financial stability.
WHY IS THIS NEEDED?
Emerging research shows a reliable foundation of cash flow can help employed families afford basic necessities such as food and groceries. This has a trickle effect to those around them – children are able to attend daycare, employers have consistent staffing, retailers have consistent shoppers. Locally, the Build a Better Grinnell 2030 survey revealed the desire to stabilize the economy through increased wages and lower prices. NEST is a response to that desire. While it may not be the only piece needed to solve the economic puzzle, NEST is the Grinnell Education Partnership’s collaborative approach to move one step closer to identifying solutions for community health and economic stability.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Anyone can begin the application, but there are eligibility requirements to participate in the pilot. Participants must meet the following criteria:
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Be 18 years old or over AND
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Live within Grinnell city limits AND
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Have a dependent, who is under 18 years old, living with you AND
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Be currently employed in the service industry AND
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Have a combined annual household income (pre-tax) at or below the annual guideline
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
For more detailed information about the initiative and application process, click the links below.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For additional resources from outside organizations, click the links below.
Center for Guaranteed Income Research >