Nashville’s first guaranteed basic income project is expected to launch in September — or earlier, if the funding becomes available. The 10-month pilot involves sending $1,000 monthly payments to up to 100 families in the city’s 37208 zip code.

What is the project? 37208 Demonstration is not a city-run program but an initiative led by local community organization Moving Nashville Forward. Inspired by the tornado recovery efforts of Gideon’s Army, the group looked for opportunities to collect research on basic income programs — a concept gaining traction in other US cities in the wake of the pandemic. The project is largely being funded through private donations.

How does it work? The application process is expected to open in September to families residing in 37208 with a household income under $40,000. The median household income for the zip code is $39,964, meaning about half of the households in 37208 would qualify.

What’s next? Once the application period closes, the Center for Guaranteed Income Research will randomly select 100 applicants to receive direct cash transfers beginning Nov. 1 and invite others to participate as a control group. Following the last round of payments, Moving Nashville Forward plans to publish a report of initial findings followed by a more comprehensive report a year later.

In an effort to raise awareness for the project, Moving Nashville Forward will host monthly online events through September.