* Direct support to the people doing the work! *
The (m)otherboard Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) program supports visionary leaders who are bending the arc of technology toward collective good. Our recipients receive financial support to continue their transformative work across policy, art, entrepreneurship, and media, contributing to a more equitable technological future that prioritizes social justice, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. These changemakers embody our commitment to fostering intergenerational wisdom, open collaboration, and purposeful experimentation in the tech ecosystem.
The basics of our GBI approach
- Community-sourced nominations from trusted tech justice networks
- $1,500 monthly stipend over a 9-month program
- Recipients join (m)otherboard's community of practice
- Maximum trust, minimum reporting requirements
- $40,000+ already distributed
Tech justice workers are facing precarity at the very moment their voices matter most. Basic income creates space for both vital work and radical dreaming: helping whistleblowers, laid-off workers, and organizers focus on impact, not survival. This isn't charity-- it's movement infrastructure.
Say hello to "Erin"
Profile: A policy expert who founded a consulting firm focused on workplace rights and tech accountability. Co-sponsored state legislation and led a coalition expanding worker protections. Their advocacy work has earned recognition from major media outlets and influencer lists. Previously shaped public policy at three leading tech platforms, where they developed partnerships with global health organizations and government stakeholders.
GBI journey: Used funds for health insurance and maternity leave to spend the first 18 months with the newborn. Offboarded the program after returning to the workforce to make way for new GBI recipient. Became a paying member/donor of (m)otherboard.
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Get to know "Adrian"
Profile: Artist and technologist exploring the relationship between technology, environment, and social justice for over 15 years. Author of a book on tech's impact in rural areas. Their projects include creating tools that challenge government censorship and surveillance. They hold a PhD, serve as a scholar at a digital justice research center, and are developing skills in end-of-life care through specialized training.
GBI journey: Uses funds for health insurance during their transitional career period from a post-doc to a faculty position. Future contributor to (m)otherboard’s collective via book club and online speaker series on hardware, AI and environmental impacts in our project portfolio.
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All about "Alex"
Profile: Social impact entrepreneur who has created multiple tech platforms addressing social inequities, including a bail-funding application and a hackathon focused on transgender inclusion. Their current venture develops financial wellness solutions. They hold a PhD in African American Studies and have participated in business fellowship programs while actively contributing to discussions on race and technology.
GBI journey: Uses funds for living expenses while living abroad and building out their mutual aid platform. Future contributor to (m)otherboard’s collective via book club.
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Introducing "Tracy"
Profile: Writer and community builder connecting the dots between tech, media, and policy. Co-founded a publication reimagining optimism in technology with support from major foundations. Previously worked in product roles at a leading content platform and researched tech policy issues between major global powers. Holds a degree in sociology and brings experience in debate and strategic communication.
GBI journey: Uses funds for their transitional career period as a tech worker to tech founder/media content creator.
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Help Us Make It Happen
If you'd like to support this project, consider making a donation to help sustain our work. For philanthropic giving, please get in touch.
