Riverside Community was established in 1941 by a small group of Christian Pacifists who - in the face of the 2nd World War - were eager to practice ways of communal living that were based on cooperation and sustainability and the repudiation of war. The founders of Riverside believed equality and social justice to be the main pillars of peace.

Both, Riverside Trust and Community, have come a long way from the original religious focus, and nowadays both entities consider themselves secular and pluralist. What makes Riverside different to most other Communities is the Income-Sharing system: Individuals’ income goes into the Community Fund, and members receive a weekly allowance.