October 21, 2024

James S. McDonnell Foundation and Partners Announce Support for St. Louis Guaranteed Basic Income Program

St. Louis, MO—The James S. McDonnell Foundation (JSMF), in collaboration with other local private funders, is providing financial support to extend the City of St. Louis’s Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) program through December 2024. The GBI program offers $500 per month to 540 households and is collecting data on its effects on the lives of the recipients and the St. Louis economy. JSMF connected with city leaders to help continue the program after a court ruling paused it.

Jason Q. Purnell, President of JSMF, stated, "Our focus is on ensuring that families receive the resources promised to them and that the program can continue to gather valuable data on how GBI might contribute to St. Louis’s economic growth. Our priorities are the well-being of these local families and the insights that could emerge to inform more inclusive growth strategies."

JSMF’s involvement aligns with its broader mission to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity in St. Louis. Research shows that economic inequality derails regional growth. By supporting organizations and initiatives that address long-standing disparities, JSMF hopes to help build a more equitable and more prosperous St. Louis region.

The Economic Potential of GBI: In addition to a persistent strain on individuals and families, poverty imposes significant costs on the St. Louis economy by hindering economic development, increasing healthcare costs, and contributing to safety concerns. Direct payment programs in other regions have proven effective in addressing these challenges. Research indicates that such programs can:

• Improve children’s educational outcomes and their future earnings.

• Enhance the health of both children and parents, reducing healthcare costs.

• Reduce crime rates.

JSMF believes that the St. Louis GBI program has the potential to yield similar returns for its recipients and our entire community. By supporting this initiative, the accompanying evaluation can also continue gathering data to inform future strategies for inclusive growth and shared prosperity in St. Louis.

JSMF is actively seeking additional funding partners to support the remainder of the St. Louis GBI program through mid-2025. For more information about JSMF and its efforts to promote inclusive growth, please visit jsmf.org.

The James S. McDonnell Foundation (JSMF) is a private philanthropic institution based in St. Louis. It was founded by its namesake to improve the quality of life. JSMF invests in organizations and initiatives working to improve economic mobility for St. Louisans facing the starkest disparities. To date, JSMF has awarded more than $400M in grants.

Media contact: Casey Nolen

Email: nolen@jsmf.org

Phone: (314) 461-9550

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