Stimulus proposal. Use one billion dollars to start the lottery but winners can only win $50,000. Tickets could cost $20.
At payout of $50,000 there would be 20,000 winners.
Those winners could then use that money to, start a small business, buy a house, get out under from crippling debt, etc. Even if the winners were irresponsible with their winnings it would immediately put a billion dollars into the economy.
If only 50,000,000 people participate it would raise one billion dollars and the government would make the money back OR it could put the additional billion dollars into the lottery doubling the total number of winners.
Donations could also be accepted and be used as a tax write off.