Universal Cash Assistance for Low-Income Families through Rise Up Cambridge
Overview
This case study examines Rise Up Cambridge, a guaranteed income pilot program for low-income families implemented by the City of Cambridge in partnership with Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee and the Cambridge Community Foundation and funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act fiscal recovery funds. The case study reviews the program's origins, design, implementation, and evaluation plans, offering insights into how thoughtfully designed guaranteed income programs can address economic inequality and financial instability.
Key Findings
Rise Up Cambridge was the first non-lottery based cash assistance program in the country; every household with children living at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level could receive $500 per month for 18 months.
The program enrolled 1,922 out of an estimated 2,000 eligible households in the City; close to half of the enrolled families were at or below 100 percent of FPL.
The City conducted targeted outreach to enroll the most economically vulnerable families, working with 60 community-based organizations to distribute information and providing assistance to residents who failed to complete their applications.
Implications for Policy and Practice
Local policymakers should consider implementing guaranteed income programs that center equity and prioritize historically underserved communities.
The Rise Up model demonstrates 1) how local governments can work with local philanthropic partners to design and evaluate innovative, equity-driven programs and 2) how it is possible to design financial assistance programs that minimize administrative burden and serve all eligible participants.
Future federal investments should integrate lessons from ARPA, with a focus on transparency, equity, and sustainable long-term outcomes for marginalized populations.
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