A new pilot program will provide $500 per month to single parents and caregivers across Columbia County, N.Y., thanks to a partnership between Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) and Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood (GHPN). BTCF Guaranteed Income for Columbia County (BTCF-GICC) will deliver monthly payments to two families in 21 towns, totaling support for 42 households for the next two years. Guaranteed Income programs are a proven tool to stabilize household finances, support early childhood development, increase food security and expand opportunities for improved housing.
The program focuses on single parents and caregivers earning up to 80% of the area median income raising at least one child aged 6 or younger. Participants will be selected by lottery from a confidential application process. Applications are open now and will close on July 1, 2025. Applications are available in English, Spanish and Bangla.
“The simplicity of guaranteed income is powerful—it’s direct, effective, and rooted in trust,” said Kara Mikulich, Interim President of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. “This program is a bold step toward supporting families in a way that is both practical and transformative.”
“This initiative is about more than money—it’s about stability, dignity, and opportunity for families during the most important years of a child’s life,” said Kelly Sweet, Interim Director of Philanthropic Services at BTCF. “We’re proud to bring this research-backed solution to our region with no strings attached.”
GHPN, a trusted community-based partner, will serve as the program’s administrative lead and provide direct support to participating families. The organization operates HudsonUP, a successful guaranteed income program in Hudson that inspired this broader countywide initiative.
“I’ve seen firsthand how guaranteed income transformed lives in Hudson,” said Joan Hunt, Executive Director of GHPN. “We’re excited to expand this approach across Columbia County to bring the same kind of stability and relief to more families.”
To enter the lottery: greaterhudsonpromise.org/btcf-gicc
Learn more at berkshiretaconic.org/btcf-gicc.
Eligibility at a Glance
- Single parents or caregivers with at least one child aged 6 or under
- Household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income
- Must reside in Columbia County, N.Y.
- Application deadline: July 1, 2025
- Participants selected via lottery
Why Guaranteed Income? Proven Results from Similar Programs
Guaranteed income pilots across the country have demonstrated the following benefits:
- Improved mental and physical health for caregivers and children
- Enhanced early childhood development
- Greater food and housing security
- Increased access to childcare and health care
- Stronger employment and educational opportunities for caregivers
Funding Partners
BTCF Guaranteed Income is made possible through the generosity of:
- The Community Fund at Berkshire Taconic
- The Fund for Columbia County
- Hudson River Bank and Trust Foundation
- Individual donors across the region
About Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood
The Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood Inc. (GHPN) is a community-based organization modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone. GHPN works to support youth and families in the Hudson City School District, from cradle to career.
