The Bridge Project Expands to New Jersey

Unconditional Cash for Mothers and Infants

Empowering mothers through direct cash assistance—breaking the cycle of poverty and investing in the first 1,000 days of life.

Launched in New York in 2021, The Bridge Project provides mothers and their babies with regular, unconditional cash assistance. By investing directly and flexibly in early childhood, the program aims to break the cycle of stress and poverty passed down through generations, and enhance socioeconomic mobility of families.

Our goal is to build a foundation for prosperity that transcends generations. Through trust, cash and community, The Bridge Project supports over 2,000 mothers across New York, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, East Tennessee, and Massachusetts.

We Believe in Economic Empowerment

Putting money directly in the hands of mothers empowers women to make decisions about their finances and the wellbeing of their babies.

Support during the first 1,000 days of life can allow an entire generation to separate from the toxic stresses of poverty, break intergenerational cycles, and provide the environment for children to grow into healthy adults — physically, financially, and mentally.

Leading economists agree that early interventions have the highest return on investment (Heckman Curve).

We Believe in the Power of Simple Solutions

Direct cash is a highly scalable solution that can be rolled out to large populations immediately. It minimizes interference and maximizes impact. It empowers participants to make their own choices for their families.

Cash is simple, flexible and empowering. Unrestricted cash assistance recognizes mothers' right to make their own financial decisions. Additionally, cash allows mothers the freedom to spend on essentials like food, rent, or childcare without restrictions.

The Critical First 1,000 Days

25%

of our brains are grown at birth

50%

of our brains are grown by age 1

80%

of our brains are grown by age 3

Why New Jersey Needs The Bridge Project

13%

of children in New Jersey live in poverty

15.4%

of moms receive inadequate prenatal care

36%

of New Jersey's homeless population are families (vs. 28% nationwide)

Proven Impact of The Bridge Project

💰

242% increase in participants having more than $500 in savings after just 6 months in the program.

💚

90% of participants reported improvements in their mental health and stress levels after receiving just one payment.

🏠

Mothers reported less chaos and more harmony in their households (clinical scales used).

The Bridge Project in Action

The Bridge Project will provide 250 eligible low-income, pregnant individuals with unconditional cash—no strings attached. The cash can be spent on anything: food, formula, rent, childcare, diapers—truly, whatever the mother decides. The program duration is three years, beginning October 2025.

Program Participants Will Receive:

$1,125

One-time, upfront prenatal stipend

$750

per month for the first 15 months of program participation

$375

per month for the remaining 21 months of program participation

Eligibility Criteria Includes:

• Reside in the City of Newark, City of Trenton, City of Paterson, or Southwest Counties (Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland)
• Be 18 years or older
• Be 23 weeks pregnant or less
• Have an annual household income under $44,000
• No SSN or ITIN required!

How Do Mothers Apply?

Applications were available online beginning October 1, 2025. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for eligibility and eligible program participants are selected by lottery. Applications will remain open until all program slots have been filled.

Apply Now

Application link live October 1

Important Dates

OCTOBER 1

Online Program Applications Open

NOVEMBER 1

First Payment Disbursements

Learn More

Visit www.bridgeproject.org or contact us at info@bridgeproject.org

Download Program Information

View or download the complete Bridge Project information sheet for more details.

No Baby Should Be Born Into Poverty

Together, we can build a foundation for prosperity that transcends generations. Through trust, cash, and community, we're empowering mothers and giving children the best possible start in life.