There are several 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.
Other inspiring basic income projects
Around the world there are numerous inspiring initatives around basic income. Just to name a few UBI4all and Meingrundeinkommen.
UBI4all
UBI4ALL is a forward-thinking organization dedicated to promoting Unconditional Basic Income (UBI) worldwide by giving people the chance to experience UBI in real life through raffles. They regularly raffle off a basic income for 1 to 5 years depending on the country you live in. To participate in the raffle, you need to register with UBI4ALL, and you must be at least 16 years old.
Meingrundeinkommen
Meingrundeinkommen (in German) does a similar raffle dedicated to promoting Unconditional Basic Income (UBI). They also give people the chance to experience UBI in real life through raffles. They regularly raffle off a number of basic incomes. To participate in the raffle, you need to register with Meingrundeinkommen (in German).
100weeks
The slogan of 100weeks is providing temporary cash for permanent change. They work with groups of twenty women in Africa who receive a cash payment of eight euro on their phone for – you guessed it – 100 weeks. A local partner of 100WEEKS selects a group of women who live in extreme poverty. The women can spend the money as they see fit. This method is proven as an effective way to reach their entire community as a whole.
GiveDirectly
GiveDirectly distributes cash for poverty relief. People in poverty are experts on their own lives, and their own needs – what they are missing is money. With that in mind GiveDirectly does one-time cash transfers that allows them to invest in what they need most. This has been shown to improve recipients’ earnings, children’s school attendance, health, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.
INclusion
INclusion supports all 400 inhabitants of the village Welle in Uganda with an unconditional basic income of €15 per month. They do that for seven years, from 2020 until 2025. The results so far are very positive. Apart from a strong reduction in extreme poverty women in the village feel more empowered and the villagers started planting trees. Read more about it in a recent project evaluation.
