Earn Cash and Build a More Equitable Future
Trust and Invest Collaborative is enrolling 1,500 families.
What is the Trust and Invest Collaborative (TIC)?
TIC is an 18-month, paid research study to understand how access to community, capital and the choice to use those dollars how you see fit, makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives and wellbeing.
By participating, you will help provide evidence that can improve public systems for all families in Massachusetts.
The minimum amount you will receive during the 18 month study is $760.
Who can participate?
To participate in this study you must meet ALL of the requirements below:
- Live in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts
- Must be 18 years or older
- Have at least one dependent under the age of 18 living in your household
- Speak English or Spanish
- Have reliable access to the internet via a computer or smartphone
- Did not receive a cash investment from UpTogether (previously Family Independence Initiative) before March 2020
- Have NOT been selected to participate, or are currently participating in the Cambridge RISE pilot
- Are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), meaning your household income is at or below the incomes listed below. Please see DTA eligibility limits for larger household size guidelines.
Household Size
Yearly Household Income
1 $25,760
2 $34,840
3 $43,920
4 $53,000
Participation Requirements
- Commit to being part of the study for 18 months from the date of enrollment.
- Set up an account on UpTogether’s online platform (UpTogether.org) so we can pay you.
- This takes about 5 minutes to complete.
- You will have the choice to receive study payments via direct deposit to a bank or other financial account, or by a physical or virtual UpTogether card. Important note: The UpTogether cards cannot be used to withdraw money from an ATM or receive cash back at stores.
- Add your bank account information to the financial section on UpTogether.org. Sharing your accounts will allow UpTogether to view transaction-level data it can use as evidence to policymakers for why they should invest in financially under-resourced communities and the people who live there. DTA will NOT have access to your individual data.
- Complete online surveys once every 3 months for 18 months (total of 7 surveys).
- Each survey will take 30-45 minutes.
- You will have 14 days to complete each survey.
- You can complete the surveys on a computer or smartphone.
- Your answers to these survey questions will be linked with some of your basic demographic and financial information if you choose to share that information with us. Nobody outside of UpTogether will be able to link your survey answers or information back to you. DTA will NOT have access to your individual-level data.
Participants will be randomly placed in study groups that will have different experiences. The experience that you have in this study will be based on the group you are randomly placed in. You may be offered additional activities or receive additional offers. It will be your choice whether you do any of these additional activities.
Compensation
| Amount | When Payment Will Be Sent |
| $60 |
When you join the study by completing all of the actions below:
|
| $20 |
Monthly
|
| $40 |
When you complete a quarterly survey on time (there are 6 of these payments).
|
| $100 | Upon completion of the study at the end of the 18 months. |
Additional Compensation Opportunities
In addition to the payments above, if you complete the study, if you complete all seven surveys that are a part of the study, you will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 bonus payment. 100 participants will be randomly selected to receive this completion bonus.
You may also be invited to complete additional surveys or interviews throughout the 18-month period, as well as after the study is over. You will be paid for each of these additional activities, and will be able to choose which of them you want to do.
Risks and Benefits
The minimum amount you will receive during this 18-month study is $760. For tax purposes, funds received from this study are not considered income. These funds should not impact your taxes and UpTogether does not file a W9 for participants. These funds are unrestricted and can be used in any way you choose.
Cash payments from this study will not affect your cash benefits from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), including Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. If you have any questions regarding your benefits eligibility, you can call the DTA assistance line at (877) 382-2363.
Funds received from this study may impact other public benefits you receive (e.g. child care or housing assistance). Please speak with your benefits administrators if you have questions about whether this grant will impact you.
Still have questions?
Click here to check out our Frequently Asked Questions!
I'm interested. How do I join?
- Apply online
- Complete a survey
- You’re in!*
TIC is led by UpTogether, a national nonprofit that is championing a movement where every person is recognized for their strengths and contributions, and has what they need to thrive. Its online platform, the UpTogether Community, provides features for members to build their social circles, support their family and friends in accomplishing their goals, and get access to cash offers, when available, so they can all move up, together.
Privacy and Confidentiality
UpTogether takes your data and privacy very seriously. Although researchers outside of UpTogether will be able to see some information you provide to us through the surveys and UpTogether.org, it will not include your name, email address, phone number, or any other information that could be used to identify you. Nobody outside of UpTogether will be able to link your survey answers or information back to you. Your individualized data will not be shared with the DTA. They will not see your specific survey responses or any of the financial data you provide to us.