AIF and Digital Asset Launch RISE Pilot on Canton

The American Idea Foundation (AIF) and Digital Asset announced a collaboration to launch RISE benefit distribution pilots in U.S. states. Canton, the blockchain network created by Digital Asset, will provide the technology infrastructure for the initiative. AIF is a nonprofit focused on policy and public innovation. Digital Asset develops blockchain infrastructure for financial markets and institutions.

RISE, which stands for Resources for Independence, Stability, and Employment, is designed to simplify how families receive government benefits. Today, households may use several programs with different eligibility rules, payment schedules, and reporting requirements.

Under the model, several types of assistance could be delivered through monthly or twice-monthly payments. Benefit amounts would adjust as household income changes, including when people enter the workforce. The system would also support identity checks, fraud prevention, mobile access, and programmable rules for how funds can be used.

Canton will provide infrastructure for transactions, permissions, benefit rules, and oversight. Authorized government agencies, nonprofit case managers, and independent researchers will be able to access relevant transaction and compliance data.

The first pilots will evaluate employment, earnings, benefit use, education, housing stability, and other measures of economic mobility. Their results are expected to guide future RISE deployments and help states decide which parts of the model should be expanded or changed.

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