With the count kicking off on April 1, the 2020 United States census will be the twenty-fourth census in our nation’s history. Why does the census matter? Census data directs the flow of federal funding, and it influences and informs decision making, planning and strategy across multiple sectors and industries. An accurate and complete census count is incredibly important, but historically marginalized populations are at a greater risk of being undercounted. The census’ impact on the nonprofit sector is especially acute, and we have an important role to play in supporting an accurate census count.
Does your nonprofit serve people (especially historically marginalized and vulnerable populations) and/or receive government or philanthropic support? If yes, the census matters to you!
Take the quiz
So, is your nonprofit ready? Take this simple 2020 census readiness true/false quiz:
- You understand how the census affects your organization
- You understand how census data affects the people and place you serve/work in
- You know the 2010 census completion rate for the place/city/region you serve
- You are involved with your local/regional Complete Count Committee (CCC)
- You have educated your board and staff about the 2020 census
- You are willing to commit organizational resources, influence, networks, and expertise to raise awareness
- You took the time to take this quiz (free point)
If you didn’t pass (more than 2 false answers), you’re not alone – and we can help! Here are some resources to help you and your organization become census-ready:
- Cuyahoga County Complete Count Committee – 2020 Census Resources: Find resources, information, census job listings and answers to your questions.
- City of Cleveland Complete Count Committee: Learn about the city’s efforts to promote a complete count.
- Children’s Defense Fund – Ohio: Learn about the risks of a census undercount in Ohio, and how you can take action to support a complete count.
- United States Census Bureau: Explore the official website for national census efforts.
Apply for a grant
If your organization is ready to get involved in census engagement efforts, funding is available! We’re partnering with The George Gund Foundation, Children’s Defense Fund – Ohio, Cleveland VOTES, The Cleveland Complete Count Committee, The Cuyahoga County Complete Count Committee, and The Ohio Census Advocacy Coalition to offer micro-grant funding – ranging from $500-$5,000 – to support local, community-based organizations working to get an accurate census count in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties. Our goal is to ensure a fair, complete count of all Ohioans, especially among individuals in Northeast Ohio from traditionally hard-to-count (HTC) communities.
Join us!
Join us January 30 at one of two grant information sessions to learn more about this funding opportunity and how your organization can apply. These sessions are free to attend, but space is limited and registration is required:
- Census 2020 Grant Information Session at MidTown Tech Hive – Jan. 30 (8 – 9:30 a.m.) – REGISTER HERE
- Census 2020 Grant Information Session at City Life Center – Jan. 30 (5:30-7 p.m.) – REGISTER HERE
If you have questions, need ADA accommodations at these events, or need advance print-outs, contact Juan Galeano, Project Consultant, 2020 Census, via jgaleano@clevefdn.org.
