Another $500 cash drop is on its way for 32 single mothers in Columbus, Ohio, all thanks to a one-of-a-kind guaranteed income program that’s already reshaping lives.
The initiative, called the Ohio Mothers Trust, kicked off in December and is now sending out its eighth round of monthly payments, bringing each mom’s total to $4,000 so far, with $2,000 more still to come before the program wraps up in December 2026.
This $211,200 program was brought to life by three nonprofit partners: Motherful, RISE Together Innovation Institute, and UpTogether. Their joint mission? Fight childhood poverty, boost financial security, and give single moms breathing room in a system that often fails them. Each of the 32 participants receives $500 per month for a year, no strings, no work requirements, just unconditional support.
Danielle Syndor, CEO of RISE Together, emphasized what this means for families. “Providing unconditional cash support to mothers can significantly boost the financial stability and overall well-being of families,” she said. In fact, in 2021 alone, Franklin County reportedly lost $5.2 billion in economic activity because of childhood poverty. “Providing families with the resources they need is an investment in their future and the future health of our community,” Syndor added.
Eligibility for the program included being a single mother living in or around Columbus and having an annual income at or below 80% of the area’s median, which was $71,730, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The mothers selected for this pilot were notified before the program launched and have been receiving payments since December. Many have spoken out about how life-changing the support has been.
“Being a recipient of the Ohio Mothers Trust guaranteed income is such a blessing,” one participant said. Another mother added that the monthly $500 not only helps with bills but also gives her the freedom to enroll her son in more activities and begin paying off debt. “Thank you for seeing us single moms, for hearing us, and for creating a community that reminds us that we are worthy and not alone.”
The program also includes regular surveys and research checkpoints to understand the impact and explore potential expansion. Organizers haven’t said yet whether it’ll be extended, but the feedback suggests there’s plenty of demand.
Programs like this are part of a growing trend across the U.S., especially after the 2021 American Rescue Plan gave local governments funding to test guaranteed income systems. While the details differ city to city, most GI programs give monthly payments to low-income residents with no conditions attached, unlike welfare programs that often come with job or drug test requirements.
Meanwhile, some states are actively trying to stop these programs altogether. Republican-led states like Texas and Iowa have opposed guaranteed income pilots, even blocking major funding in certain cases. Still, cities that have tested GI efforts are reporting overwhelmingly positive results.
Beyond Ohio, other programs have shown success too. Over $19 million was distributed in Illinois recently through a GI effort that wrapped up in December. UpTogether also supported another project that sent $500 checks to 103 families across Michigan and Illinois. And in Minnesota, there’s even a unique long-term GI program targeting artists.
The 32 Columbus moms will each receive $6,000 total over the course of 12 months. With the July payment on its way, the initiative is showing exactly how a simple idea, giving people the money they need, can change the game.
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