Social Income

We had the option to do nothing. We decided against it.

We believe that improving the lives of people in need is not just a possibility but a responsibility. That's how Social Income was born.

Our Mission

Fighting global poverty with the help of everyday people.

Many people in wealthier countries are committed to addressing inequality, but don’t know how or where to start.

Thanks to the widespread use of mobile phone-based money transfer services in developing countries, it is easier than ever to send money directly to people in need, at almost no cost.

Social Income wants to harness this potential by combining two approaches to wealth redistribution. The first is the concept of Universal Basic Income, which is a promising path towards a more equal and inclusive society.

The second is the use of direct and anticipatory cash transfers to people living in poverty. Research has shown that those who receive direct aid greatly benefit from the money and that they reinvest it locally, responsibly, and successfully.

We make an impact by sending regular long-term cash transfers directly to recipients: from person to person, because many of the world's poorest countries lack solid social infrastructure.

And we do so in a radically transparent way that allows us to avoid the high administrative costs normally associated with such projects.

Our Promise

Donations are for people in need. Not to pay overhead costs.

We are committed to ensuring that the largest possible share of your donation directly benefits our recipients.

To maintain this promise, we specifically fundraise to cover parts of our operating costs and financial expenses through philanthropic grants and institutional donations.

This approach guarantees that only a minimal portion of your donation is allocated to overhead costs.

Flow of Funds

From Everywhere to the Global South. Safe, Fast, and Direct.

Donations are safely stored in the most stable currency in the world: Swiss Francs.

Every month we transfer just enough money to local banks in the countries where we are active. We then distribute Social Incomes with the help of mobile money directly to the phones of beneficiaries.

Our Team

We're making Social Income a reality.

Local Staff

Working in the field, ensuring that recipients and partners have a reliable point of contact.

The local staff manages local operations and offers support to partners and recipients. Their insights are re-integrated into the technological tools we develop. They are compensated with a fair local salary.

Mabel Turay
Finances
Mariatu Haja Sesay
Operations

Active Volunteers

The people who generously contribute their time and skills to make everything possible.

Running Social Income requires a diverse range of skills. These dedicated professionals who volunteer bring everything to life and manage an entire NGO through their commitment and effective teamwork.

Aurélie Schmiedlin
Communications
Gavriil Tzortzakis
Software Development
Jessica Freeman
Fundraising
Julia Bachmann
Communications
Karin Berg
App Development
Katalin Holanyi
Design
Kerrin Dieckmann
Finances
Lea Strohm
Strategy
Marc Werner
Research
Marco Bohler
Software Development
Matthew Roberts
Communications
Michael Kündig
Software Development
Mikołaj Demkow
App Development
Patrick McClurg
Software Development
Pranav Chatur
Software Development
Raphael Wirth
Software Development
Riccardo Tamburini
Communications
Sandino Scheidegger
Founding Director
Verena Zaiser
App Development
Willemijn de Gaay Fortman
Strategy

Board of Association

Responsible for compliance with ethical standards and internal guidelines.

The board is responsible for the supervision of the organization. Members are elected for a term of three years. Their specific supervisory duties are defined in the statutes and organizational regulations.

Flavien Meyer
Co-President
Kabelo Ruffo
Co-President
Marion Quartier
Board Member
Nina Limacher
Board Member
Simone Huser
Board Member

Former Collaborators and Volunteers

These individuals have significantly shaped Social Income through their voluntary efforts.

Volunteers who are inactive for more than three months are considered former until they resume their participation. This approach allows us to transparently and accurately represent the true size of our organization.