Universal basic income | Good News for Humankind

A map of the Marshall Islands atolls in the Pacific Ocean surrounded by turquoise water, representing the Marshall Islands digital currency UBI initiative

Marshall Islands launches world’s first UBI-embedded national digital currency

By Peter Schulte / December 22, 2025 / Good News For Humankind

The Marshall Islands has launched the SOV, the world’s first national digital currency with a Universal Basic Income mechanism built directly into its monetary code. Every eligible citizen receives a recurring financial dividend — no bank account required. The move gives the remote Pacific island nation new economic independence, a climate resilience tool, and a potential blueprint for developing nations worldwide seeking to harness digital finance for public good.

Ireland secures creative future with permanent basic income for artists

By Peter Schulte / October 27, 2025 / Good News For Humankind

Ireland has cemented its role as a global cultural leader by making its basic income pilot for artists a permanent national policy. This historic commitment guarantees a stable foundational income for thousands of creative workers. This economic security removes pressure and allows artists to fully dedicate themselves to innovation. The program affirms that art and culture are essential public goods and vital to the national economy.

Kenya trial examines effect of universal basic income during pandemic

By Peter Schulte / November 18, 2020 / Good news links

Unique new research is looking at the effects of UBI during a pandemic by analyzing data from a massive ongoing 12-year income study in Kenya, and its conclusion suggests the policy may help individual well-being but it is not a silver-bullet solution in times of extreme disruption.

Compton to launch America’s biggest guaranteed income program

By Peter Schulte / October 22, 2020 / Good news links

Following in Stockton’s footsteps, the city of Compton, California, has launched its own basic income program called the Compton Pledge that will aim to assist 800 people through no-strings-attached direct cash payments over two years.

A homeless man sitting next to a sign and his luggage

Canadian experiment giving homeless people $7500 proves promising

By Peter Schulte / October 16, 2020 / Good news links

The New Leaf project took 115 homeless people who were confirmed not to have serious mental or substance abuse problems, and put $7,500 in the pockets of 50 of them to see if they could turn their life around. One entire year later, most recipients still had $1,000 in savings and 67% were could still feed themselves every day.

Germany is beginning a universal-basic-income trial with people getting $1,400 a month for 3 years

By Peter Schulte / August 25, 2020 / Good news links

120 volunteers will get monthly payments of €1,200, or about $1,400, as part of a study testing a universal basic income.
The study will compare the experiences of the 120 volunteers with 1,380 people who do not receive the payments.

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Pittsburgh launches ‘guaranteed income’ program with Jack Dorsey donation

By Peter Schulte / August 5, 2020 / Good news links

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto announced that his city is now joining 15 other American cities in a program receiving funding from Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, in which eligible residents will receive $500 in monthly “guaranteed income.”

The money used to start the program will come from funds Dorsey gave that is allowing Pittsburgh and 15 other cities to help those who are struggling during the economic crisis brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

Los Angeles, Atlanta among cities joining coalition to test universal basic income

By Peter Schulte / June 29, 2020 / Good news links

The mayors of Los Angeles, Oakland, Atlanta, Georgia, Tacoma, Newark, Saint Paul, Jackson, Compton, Shreveport, and Stockton have joined Mayors For A Guaranteed Income, a coalition advocating for UBI policies, or the idea of giving out recurring cash payments to all individuals without any strings attached.

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Spain introduces basic income scheme to tackle poverty

By Peter Schulte / June 1, 2020 / Good news links

Spain’s government has introduced a basic monthly income for struggling families amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure will affect about 2.3 million people in need and guarantees income of maximum $1,100 per family.