The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness (FFBWW) has unveiled Madison Forward Fund 2.0 (MFF 2.0), a new guaranteed income initiative that will provide 42 Dane County families with $500 per month for the next year. The program is “aimed at transforming the lives of Black mothers and families,” according to a press release issued Thursday.
Announced during the organization’s 5th Annual Black Maternal and Child Health Virtual Summit as part of Black Maternal Health Week on April 17th, MFF 2.0 builds on the success of the original Madison Forward Fund led by the City of Madison. Designed as both a maternal and early childhood health initiative and an economic development strategy, this next phase led by FFBWW will provide direct, no-strings-attached cash support combined with critical social services to improve the economic stability and health outcomes of vulnerable women and families.
“We know that economic security is foundational to good health and well-being, and when we make it possible, real change happens,” FFBWW CEO Lisa Peyton said in a statement. “With MFF 2.0, we’re not just putting cash in people’s hands—we are affirming that Black women deserve the resources to thrive and be self-determined. As our 2019 Saving Our Babies Report showed, economic insecurity is a leading driver of poor maternal and child health, but there are solutions. Guaranteed income is a proven tool to reduce poverty and promote stability—and when paired with holistic support, it can transform lives.”
Through the Foundation’s MFF 2.0, 42 Dane County families—randomly selected from FFBWW’s maternal and child health programs—will receive $500 per month for 12 months, helping to relieve financial burdens and support long-term stability.
MFF 2.0 enhances its impact by offering participants no-cost, culturally tailored wraparound supports—including financial coaching, peer and mental health support, maternal wellness services, and assistance with housing, nutrition, healthcare, employment, and transportation gaps.
“Cash alone isn’t enough—it’s about a network of support that ensures families can flourish,” said Gabe Doyle, FFBWW Chief Health Initiatives Officer Gabe Doyle said in a statement. “We’re fostering long-term stability and resilience by connecting families to critical, community-driven resources that support their overall well-being.”
“Our goal is for every Black pregnant person to have the opportunity for a healthy pregnancy and thriving postpartum,” Chief Programs and Partnerships OfficerDr. Michelle Robinson said in a statement. “Baseline data from our participants tells a stark story: median incomes of just $18,390, most with two children, nearly 60% experiencing food insecurity, and 38% fearing housing loss. Over two-thirds reported their physical or mental health has recently impacted daily functioning.”
MFF 2.0 is funded by Trustage, American Family Insurance, PRL Keystone Foundation, Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation, UW Health, Madison Gas & Electric, and SSM Health. TASC will be the program’s disbursement partner.
