Consulting Opportunity: Mapping the Global Fundraising Ecosystem for BIEN

Consulting Opportunity: Mapping the Global Fundraising Ecosystem for BIEN

The Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) is seeking a consultant to develop a comprehensive overview of the global fundraising ecosystem as part of our strategy to ensure financial sustainability in 2025.

Project Overview

● Scope: Conduct a systematic review of worldwide fundraising opportunities (both core and project-specific funding) for BIEN.

● Deliverable: A detailed report with specific, actionable recommendations, to be delivered by the end of March 2025.

● Duration: 2-3 months, with possible follow-up work available.

● Fee: USD 1,000.

To read the full advertisement, click here.

The Basic Income in Belgium Project Closing Event: Findings of Four Years of Research

The Basic Income in Belgium Project Closing Event: Findings of Four Years of Research

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited to invite you tothe Basic Income in Belgium (BABEL) Closing Event, happening online on January 24, from 12:00PM to 2.30PM (CET). The BABEL project is a comprehensive research initiative examining Basic Income proposals in Belgium. Over the course of this project, researchers from the KU Leuven, the University of Antwerp, and UC Louvain delved into the impacts of Basic Income on poverty reduction, labor market participation, and its political feasibility within Belgium’s welfare state—and beyond. At this event, we will present the key findings of the project, complemented by insightful reflections from renowned scholars.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and engage with the latest research shaping the conversation around Basic Income!

To view the detailed program, click here.

REGISTER HERE

Basic Income in Malaysia

Basic Income in Malaysia

The Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) has collaborated with Prof Geoffrey Williams, a Malaysian-based economist and Basic Income advocate, to share their collective vision of a Basic Income in the Malaysian context. Involved with the collaboration from BIEN were our chair of the EC – Dr Sarath Davala, our Volunteer Coordinator and EC member from Malaysia – Lee Seng Kiat, and our Asia Pacific Hub Manager – John Michael. 

Their 7-page infographic was soft launched in both English and Malay, offering an overview of Basic Income, proposals for implementation and funding, and comparison with policies already in place in Malaysia. They were also on air with business radio station – BFM 89.9, offering their insights to the robust questions posed by journalist Dashran Yohan. Their visions were also published by local newspapers including the Malay MailThe Sun, and a the largest newspaper in Malaysia – The Star.

Unconditional: The film

Unconditional: The film

Unconditional is a film created at the University of Bath that is focused on the prosperity of communities that sprouted from pilots basic income projects in India and Bangladesh. The strategy of basic income plus — not only providing direct cash but also community organizing support to those participating in the pilot — lead to meaningful impact on societal issues identified by pilot participants.

To view the film, click here.

Guaranteed Income Works in Tacoma, Washington

Guaranteed Income Works in Tacoma, Washington

“This month, researchers released independent data for Tacoma, WA. A partnership with the City of Tacoma, the United Way of Pierce County, and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, the Growing Resilience In Tacoma (GRIT) pilot focused on families that are considered “asset-limited, income-constrained and employed” (ALICE). From December 2021 to December 2022, the GRIT pilot gifted 110 ALICE families in Tacoma $500 a month, no strings attached. Results demonstrate that a modest, unrestricted cash investment can improve families’ financial stability, well-being, food security, and access to safe and stable housing, thereby reducing poverty in our community.”

To read more, click here.

Homeless people to be given cash in first major UK trial to reduce poverty

Homeless people to be given cash in first major UK trial to reduce poverty

“Researchers are conducting the UK’s first major scientific trials to establish whether giving homeless people cash is a more effective way of reducing poverty than traditional forms of help.

Poverty campaigners have long believed that cash transfers are the most cost-effective way of helping people, but most studies have examined schemes in developing countries.

The new study, funded by the government and carried out by King’s College London (KCL) and the homelessness charity Greater Change, will recruit 360 people in England and Wales. Half will continue to get help from frontline charities. The other half will get additional help from Greater Change, whose support workers will discuss their financial problems then pay for items such as rent deposits, outstanding debts, work equipment, white goods, furniture or new clothes. They do not make direct transfers to avoid benefits being stopped due to a cash influx.’

To read the full article, click here.