There are severeal systems working to create universal basic income (UBI) solutions that move beyond the pilot stage. These projects use structural approaches designed to scale basic income for larger populations. FairSpirit actively monitors these initiatives to identify opportunities for collaboration and expansion.
The following projects demonstrate innovative approaches to scaling UBI, each addressing key challenges such as verification, trust, and economic sustainability.
GoodDollar
GoodDollar is a decentralized, blockchain-powered protocol designed to financially empower millions worldwide by providing a form of universal basic income (UBI) through its digital token, G$. By using the GoodDollar app on a smartphone, anyone can claim GoodDollars daily, with over 600,000 unique users from more than 181 countries already participating. While the current value of G$ remains modest, the project team is actively working to increase its utility and adoption.
GoodCollective Initiative
Recently, GoodDollar launched “GoodCollective,” a platform that enables the distribution of basic income to specific groups. While this approach is not universal—since it targets defined communities rather than everyone—it allows for higher basic income amounts per recipient and greater flexibility. The technology will soon be available for anyone to set up their own GoodCollective, making it easier to support targeted groups in need.
FairSpirit plans to use GoodCollective to launch a small-scale, bottom-up project with a select group of participants and a modest basic income for a limited period. The goal is to test and refine implementation strategies before expanding to larger groups, higher amounts, or longer durations. This gradual scaling approach ensures sustainable growth and effective impact.
Current projects with GoodDollar
The GoodCollective is not available yet. So currently FairSpirit uses a Gnosis Safe in combination with Superfluid technology to stream GoodDollars to the participants. This is implemented in our current project in Ghana and our project in Tanzania. Our local coordinator helps the participants convert their GoodDollars into locally usable money, which varies by country and requires tailored solutions for each project.
Circles
Circles is a blockchain-based community currency system where money is generated at the individual level, placing people at the center of the system. Each member issues their own Circles token (CRC), which can be exchanged with trusted contacts or members of a wider group. To participate, users must create a Circles Wallet and gain the trust of at least three other members.
The system uses a web of trust and a pathfinder algorithm to enable transactions even among users who do not directly know each other. Circles also includes a demurrage mechanism—a 7% annual decrease in balances—to encourage spending and reduce inequality over time. As of now, Circles UBI has around 200,000 accounts and aims to build a fairer circular economy.
FairSpirit is exploring options to use Circles Groups technology for distributing basic income.
BrightID
BrightID is a privacy-first social identity network that allows individuals to prove they are unique without sharing personal data. This decentralized, open-source technology uses social graphs—connections verified by people who know you—to authenticate uniqueness and prevent multiple accounts. BrightID is a crucial component for basic income systems, as it ensures that each person can only claim their fair share.
FairSpirit is exploring options to use BrightID technology for distributing basic income.
