Forward Together New Orleans (FTNO), The Mayor's Fund, is proud to announce the New Orleans Universal Basic Investment Credit to build intergenerational wealth among Black New Orleanians.

The program means that New Orleans will be the first city to host both a Universal Basic Income program and a Universal Basic Investment Credit program. The pilot was designed and implemented as part of a 12-month Executive Fellowship with FUSE Corps within the City of New Orleans Mayor’s Office. The Fellowship's objective was to create strategies to make systemic change in our city.

FTNO has identified three necessary pillars for programs that work to create systemic change: 

1. Universal Basic Investment Credit grantees receive a card that holds restricted funds to distribute to eligible recipients. 
2. Eligible recipients receive $500 each to invest in real estate, art, startups, small businesses, and even crypto through vetted investment platforms.
3. Participants observe and experience the benefits of appreciating assets combined with investment education resources.
4. Participants continue to meet for continued investment education and to discuss local investment opportunities.
5. FTNO leverages its role and influence to facilitate more investment opportunities within the arenas of infrastructure, private equity, and more for past participants who continue to stay engaged in educational programming.