UpTogether FAQs

UpTogether is a systems change organization that recognizes that poverty is created by systems, rooted in racism and perpetuated by false views of people considered “poor.”

It seeks to change policies, systems, and underlying beliefs so that all people in the United States are seen and invested in for their strengths and are able to build power, reinforce their autonomy, and drive their own economic and social mobility.

In the U.S., there is a broadly held stereotype that people and families experience poverty and financial hardships due to their own failings. This misguided belief animates how the general public typically perceives people with low incomes, and in turn, shapes the policies and practices of our major institutions which treat these individuals and families with distrust and disrespect. In fact, American society and its institutions are designed to maintain a status quo by providing advantages to higher-income, largely white, communities typically at the expense of communities with lower incomes which are disproportionately communities of color. Consequently, individuals and families experiencing financial hardships must navigate systems and structures that disadvantage them.

At UpTogether, we seek to change policies, systems, and underlying beliefs so that all people in the United States are seen and invested in for their strengths and are able to build power, reinforce their autonomy, and drive their own economic and social mobilit

To understand how UpTogether defines “systems change,” let’s first talk about what a system is. A system is a network of relationships between individuals, groups and institutions. There are many types of systems including education, government, healthcare and criminal justice.

“Systems change” means making significant and lasting improvements to how a system operates in order to achieve a desired outcome. 

UpTogether hopes to change government and philanthropic systems from investing in costly programs to directly investing in people. 

We envision a nation where government and philanthropy provide unrestricted and unconditional cash to communities, trusting families to make their own choices about how to utilize these resources.

Some examples of systems change that would move us closer to that vision include a government agency or department implementing permanent guaranteed income for their residents, a philanthropic organization encouraging donors/donor-advised funds to invest in direct cash initiatives, reinstating the expanded Federal Child Tax Credit and increasing the gross income limit for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). 

Systems change is a complex process that doesn’t happen overnight. It involves many stakeholders, a coordinated effort and a clear understanding of the challenges of the current systems. 

Since 2001 UpTogether has understood the value of direct, unrestricted cash investment to families facing financial hardship. Although we are not a guaranteed income (GI) organization, UpTogether leads or supports several GI pilots and programs across the U.S. as they align with our values. 

One thing that makes us different from traditional GI organizations is how we center community. We were founded on the belief that if families and individuals had access to resources and community support, they would decide for themselves how to use them and they could move up, together, out of their challenging financial situation. That’s why in addition to trusting and investing in families, we have provided in-person community engagement opportunities (which we will do again in the near future) and created an online community called UpTogether Connect for people to meet, share support and help each other reach their personal and financial goals. 

UpTogether gets the money it gives to members from its various funding partners, which include philanthropic organizations and state and local government agencies. Several individuals and families also donate to support UpTogether’s work. 

To learn more about our impact, visit our Impact page. 

Members use the money first and foremost on basic needs like groceries, housing and utility bills. Some members also use the money to build their businesses, pay for college courses, boost their savings, or for fun and exciting activities with their children. Other members use the money to give back to their communities.

Because each person’s situation is different, providing cash investments without restrictions allows them to use the money in the manner that is best for them.

A false, deficit-based view of people with limited incomes focuses on what people lack. It blames them for their financial situation without acknowledging the systems and policies that make it difficult for them to get ahead despite their hard work.

Our UpTogether Approach:  Community. Capital. Choice. recognizes and honors people’s initiatives, abilities and self-determination.

Our strength-based view is the foundation of how we invest in families and the heart of our strategy to change systems.

UpTogether Connect is an online community where families and individuals can share ideas, collaborate and support one another in accomplishing their goals.

On UpTogether Connect, members can:

Get access to cash offers from our funding partners

• When money is available and you meet eligibility requirements such as city or household income
• True to our approach, members may use the cash offer however they choose and don’t have to pay it back

Join social groups to connect to other members virtually

• Virtual groups are also encouraged to connect in-person

Take surveys to show how community, cash and choice help individuals and families experiencing financial hardship accomplish their goals and improve their overall well-being

Share stories about your lived experiences to counter stereotypes, change the narrative and inspire others

Anyone who is 18 or older and lives in the United States can join  UpTogether Connect.

Learn more about joining UpTogether Connect here.

Your question may be on one of our other FAQ pages.

• FAQs about partnering with UpTogether 
• FAQs about becoming an UpTogether member 

If those pages don’t answer your question, click here to let us know.