We’re sending cash to low-income families across rural America

Over the past 20 years, U.S. GDP has doubled to $26.7 trillion — but the benefits haven’t been shared equally. Over that same time period, the top 10% grew their share of the nation’s wealth to 71%.

This inequality is especially pronounced in rural America, where poverty rates are 27% higher than in urban areas. In fact, 80% of U.S. counties with persistent poverty are rural.

Yet, despite the clear need, few guaranteed income (GI) programs have been designed specifically to support rural families.

GiveDirectly, in partnership with Jeff Atwood and Elizabeth Burton, is working to change that.

Kalynn H. outside her home in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula in June, 2025

Kalynn, a participant in our Rx Kids program in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula, received $1,500 in prenatal direct cash assistance, and will continue to receive $500 per month for her baby’s first six months. Read more →

With that support, she purchased a bassinet, stroller, changing table, boppy pillow, and diapers. She also plans to use the funds to support her two other children with their school supplies and fees so they can play sports. GiveDirectly’s cash assistance will help her address one of her biggest challenges, paying for gas to travel over an hour away to her doctor appointments.

Now, we want to bring the same financial relief and opportunities to families across rural America.

We’ll reach low-income families across rural North Carolina, West Virginia, and Mississippi

Concentrating cash in a particular place can stimulate the local economy and spark broad-based economic development.

With support from a generous grant from the Atwoods, we’re aiming to send cash to ~1,600 people across Mercer County, WV, Beaufort County, NC, and Warren County, MS through the Rural Income for Self Empowerment (RISE) program.

We are delivering up to $24,000 over the course of 16 months to families living in poverty. This means that every family will receive $1,500 per month for 16 months to spend on food, business, rent, or whatever they need most.

Beyond uplifting thousands of families experiencing poverty, we’re aiming to build a coalition of supporters — from everyday Americans up to federal politicians — who believe in the power of cash. 

You can help expand our mission. Please share this program widely and bring more voices into the conversation!

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How do you make long-term structural change that creates opportunity for everyone? It is an incredibly complex problem. But if we focus our efforts in a particular area, I believe we can change a lot of things in this country. Maybe not everything, but something foundational to the next part of our history as a country: how to move beyond individual generosity and toward systems that create security, dignity, and possibility for all.
Jeff Atwood


Jeff Atwood
Co-Founder of Stack Overflow and Discourse

Cash is proven to uplift families and communities

Hundreds of studies show that unconditional cash transfers can be life-changing across countries and contexts. 

  • Community-wide impacts: When delivered at the community level, we’ve seen cash benefit people who were not even direct recipients. 
  • Financial stability: After one year, women who received $850 per month were healthier, more financially secure, and more food secure.
  • Self-determination: Recipients of a $500 per month guaranteed income reported higher levels of self-determination related to better job prospects and increased risk tolerance.
Let’s help American families realize their dreams

The “American Dream” has become increasingly out of reach for much of the population, who haven’t realized the benefits of U.S. economic growth.

RISE aims to remedy some of the financial stagnation felt by millions of American families in the rural U.S. We know that cash creates jobs, reduces debt, and promotes mobility; the challenge is getting it into the hands of those who need it most — and ensuring policymakers take notice.

We are starting in three sites but can spread even further. If we can show that cash can revitalize communities left behind, we can drive local, state, and even national policy change — cementing cash as a critical tool in our social safety net.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which communities are participating in the RISE program?

These are the communities that will soon be enrolling eligible families:

  1. Mercer County, West Virginia
  2. Beaufort County, North Carolina
  3. Warren County, Mississippi

We will update the list as we lock in additional community locations.

How much money will each family receive?

$24,000. We will be delivering $1,500 per month for 16 months.

When will people receive the money?

We plan to launch enrollment later this year. Payments will begin in late 2025 or early 2026, depending on the community.

How long will the RISE program run?

We’re aiming to deliver cash to families for 16 months. We are also seeking to raise additional funds to extend the duration of monthly transfers.

Am I eligible for the RISE program?

You are eligible for the RISE program if you meet all of the criteria:

  1. You are a resident of a participating county
  2. You are 18 years or older 
  3. You have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line FPL
    • The income limit for a household of 1 is $31,300. The income limit for a household of 4 is $64,300. Click here to see the 200% FPL limit for other household sizes.

How are applicants selected to participate?

GiveDirectly verifies applications for eligibility. Eligible applications are randomly selected for the program. We notify applicants if they are selected within 6 weeks of submitting the application.

How do I apply to receive funds?

Online applications will open in Fall, 2025. There is no paper application. Check back here for a link to the application. Only one member per household should apply.

The application will be open during the following dates:

  • Mercer County, WV: October 14 – 31
  • Beaufort County, NC: November 3 – 21
  • Warren County, MS: December 1 – 19

What do I need to apply?

You will submit the application online. You can submit the application from a computer or mobile device. Check back here for a link to the application when it opens. 

To apply you must provide documents that show your identity, your residency, and your income. Check back here for a list of documents that are accepted. Applications with fraudulent documents will be automatically rejected.

Can I still apply if I live with a friend or family member, am unhoused, or stay in a shelter within a participating community?

Yes, you can still apply to the program. Please reach out to our support email for assistance when the application opens. 

What if I need help with my application?

A customer support phone line and email will be available during the enrollment period.

In-person application support will be provided by partner organizations in each community. Check back for locations. 

How will you study the RISE program’s impact?

GiveDirectly is collaborating with Open Research on a mixed-methods study to explore how individuals and families in rural communities navigate economic mobility, access financial support, and overcome structural barriers. The study will also examine what additional resources — beyond direct cash transfers — could enhance long-term stability and opportunity in these contexts.

What if I’d like to make a major gift?

We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at info@givedirectly.org.