A nonprofit organization based in Minnesota is continuing to distribute $500 monthly stimulus checks to local artists as part of an ongoing guaranteed income pilot program. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance without any conditions, helping artists focus on their creative work without the stress of meeting basic needs.
Initially launched in 2020, the program has shown promising results, prompting an expansion to include more beneficiaries. According to a report by The Sun, this program stands out for its long-term commitment and impact on artists’ livelihoods, distinguishing itself from many other short-term aid efforts across the country.
A Longstanding Artist Support Initiative in Minnesota
Springboard for the Arts launched its Guaranteed Income for Artists pilot in 2020, initially supporting 75 artists living in the Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods near Saint Paul and in Otter Tail County.
Each participant received $500 per month for 18 months. After seeing positive results, the program has expanded to include 100 artists who continue to receive the monthly payments.
The nonprofit has sustained the program through a combination of its own general operating funds, which now cover distributions extended over more than five years, and support from private foundations including Bush, Kresge, Ford, and McKnight.
These stimulus checks and financial backing make it one of the longest-running guaranteed income pilot programs for artists in the United States.
How the Funds Are Used and Impact on Communities
Data collected from participants shows the majority of funds were spent on basic necessities: 36% on essential services, 30% on food, and 10% on housing. Laura Zabel, executive director at Springboard for the Arts, said,
Our program is emerging as a national model, demonstrating how guaranteed income can transform artists’ lives, build community resilience, and strengthen local economies. – She added,
We’re not just defying political headwinds — we’re changing the narrative with data, artwork, and meaningful stories of impact – According to Zabel,
When artists can focus more on their work, families, art, and their community instead of worrying about basic needs, everyone benefits.
Similar Programs Across the United States
Other cities have launched related guaranteed income initiatives targeting artists and other vulnerable populations. The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco launched a similar stimulus checks program in 2021, but it has since ended.
In New York, Creatives Rebuild New York began in 2022, providing approximately 2,400 artists with $1,000 monthly payments for 18 months.
Beyond the arts sector, guaranteed income programs are expanding support for low-income families.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, the nonprofit UpTogether recently launched a program offering up to $750 per month to qualifying families, specifically those with children attending disadvantaged public schools.
The program, funded by the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Solution, is set to benefit at least 80 households over a full year. Ivanna Neri, Southwest Partnership Director at UpTogether, said,
Most people want to improve their situation. Most people want to have a better life. It’s really the system that keeps people in the situation that they are in – She added,
This shows when you trust and invest in people, people are then able to do better.
Other initiatives are offering families monthly payments of up to $2,000, and “jumpstart” programs provide some Americans with $500 monthly payments, subject to certain eligibility criteria.
