12 Months
payment duration
$500
monthly payment
March 2025 - February 2026
program dates
42
women, mothers, & birthing people
The Madison Forward Fund 2.0 (MFF 2.0) is a bold initiative powered by the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness (FFBWW) to advance economic security, improve maternal and child health, and invest directly in the wellbeing of Black women and families in Dane County. Through monthly, no-strings-attached payments of $500 for one year, this program provides vital financial support alongside holistic community-based resources to help families not only survive—but thrive.
MFF 2.0 builds on the success of the City of Madison’s original guaranteed income pilot and marks a powerful continuation of local efforts to reimagine economic justice through dignity, trust, and care.
We believe that economic security is a public health intervention.
Black women and their families in Dane County face persistent racial and economic disparities that deeply affect their health, especially during pregnancy and early childhood. Research shows that guaranteed income—unconditional, predictable cash support—reduces stress, improves health outcomes, and creates greater opportunity for families to live with dignity and stability.
By investing in mothers and caregivers, we are investing in stronger, healthier communities for all.
MFF 2.0 serves 42 randomly selected families—current or past participants in FFBWW’s maternal and child health programs—by providing:
Our 2019 Saving Our Babies report identified economic insecurity as one of the biggest barriers to maternal and infant health in Dane County. For many Black women, poverty is not just a statistic—it’s a daily stressor that can increase health risks, from complications in pregnancy to chronic illness.
MFF 2.0 acknowledges this truth and offers a different path: one rooted in trust, self-determination, and support. Participants can use their income to meet essential needs—from housing to food to healthcare—and connect with a supportive community dedicated to wellness.
This initiative is also about learning—and about pushing forward policies that better reflect our values. We are committed to sharing what we learn from this work with local and national partners to inspire systems change.
Every voice matters. That's why we’re collecting stories and survey data from both participants and applicants to better understand the impact of guaranteed income on health, family stability, and wellbeing.
MFF 2.0 is made possible through the leadership and shared vision of community champions committed to building a healthier, more just world for Black women and families. Together, we are demonstrating what’s possible when we invest in people—and especially in Black women—as a matter of justice and love.
Program Host:
Program Funders:
Implementation Partners:
We extend deep gratitude to our partners for their shared commitment to equity, health, and a thriving future for all families in Dane County.
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Guaranteed income is a monthly, no-strings-attached cash payment designed to support financial stability and personal freedom. It’s based on a simple but powerful belief: people know best what their families need. Guaranteed income honors the unpaid and underpaid labor of parenting and caregiving and helps families build healthier, more secure lives.
Unlike many traditional assistance programs, MFF 2.0 puts trust at the center. There are no restrictions on how the funds are spent, no work requirements, and no strings attached. Participants receive direct support alongside community health resources—because we believe economic support should come with dignity and care.
MFF 2.0 serves 42 women, mothers, and birthing people who are current or past participants in the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness’ maternal and child health programs. Participants were selected through a randomized process from a pool of eligible applicants.
Each participant receives $500 per month for 12 months, totaling $6,000 over the course of the program. Payments are made directly to participants and begin in March 2025.
Yes. One of the core principles of guaranteed income is trust. There are no restrictions on how the money is used—families decide what’s best for them, whether that means covering rent, childcare, groceries, transportation, savings, or self-care.
Every MFF 2.0 participant is connected to a dedicated FFBWW Community Health Worker, who provides personalized support, information, and connections to resources. Participants are also invited to join health and wellness programs that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
To build a future where guaranteed income is a permanent part of our social fabric, we need strong evidence. That’s why we’re collecting voluntary, confidential survey data from participants and applicants to understand the program’s impact on health, financial wellbeing, and quality of life. This data helps inform future policy and advocacy efforts.
MFF 2.0 is part of a growing national movement to make guaranteed income a permanent reality. While the program itself is time-limited, our work to shift policies and build systems rooted in care, justice, and economic dignity will continue long after the last payment is made.
Whether you’re a policymaker, community leader, researcher, or neighbor—this work belongs to all of us. Reach out to learn more about how guaranteed income is reshaping maternal health and economic justice in our community, and how you can help.
📩 Email: MFF2.0@ffbww.org
📞 Phone: (608) 305-4422
Reach us by email at: mff2.0@ffbww.org
Reach us by phone at: (608) 305-4422