2010 Census - Nonprofits Count!
The numbers published by the U.S. Census have a significant impact on states and communities. The finalized data will affect the dispersion of federal funds, political representation, public infrastructure and private investment. For every 100 people not counted, a community risks losing at estimated $1.2 million over the next decade for federally funded programs alone.
Nonprofits Count! is a campaign to mobilize nonprofits to get involved in making sure that every person is counted, with a special emphasis on hard-to-count communities. Michigan Nonprofit Association has organized the Michigan Nonprofit Complete Count Committee to guide our work with the 2010 Census. Click here to see members of the Michigan Nonprofit Complete Count Committee.
FREE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES !
Filling out the 2010 Census Form
Thursday, February 18th at 2:00pm Eastern
In this webinar Bridgette Rongitsch of the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network will be joined by Terri Ann Lowenthal of the Census Project to discuss filling out the ten short questions that appear on the official Census Questionnaire. Bridgette and Terri Ann will also discuss best strategies for reaching clients and constituents with effective messaging about the 2010 Census.
Sign up for "Filling out the 2010 Census Form" now!
Countdown to the 2010 Census
Thursday, February 25th at 2:00pm Eastern
In this webinar NVEN National Director Bridgette Rongitsch will be joined by Terri Ann Lowenthal of the Census Project to discuss the best strategies for reaching clients and constituents with effective messaging about the 2010 Census.
Sign up for "Countdown to the 2010 Census" now!
2010 Census FAQs
Why is the 2010 Census important for Michigan?
The results of the 2010 Census will affect the dispersion of federal funds, political representation, public infrastructure and private investment. For every 100 people not counted, a community risks losing at estimated $1.2 million over the next decade for federally funded programs alone, including such programs as Medicaid, public housing assistance, community development block grants and Title I funding. States also use census numbers to redraw political boundaries, and Congress uses census data to determine which states gain or lose representation. In this time of economic hardship, Michigan needs to ensure as complete a count as possible so that we do not unnecessarily lose political representation or funding for important federal programs.
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Why are nonprofits getting involved?
Nonprofits driven by social missions want to see their communities have access to the funds, services, representation and physical and social infrastructure impacted by the census count. Nonprofits are densely located in hard-to-count communities, and they have relationships with the very people who are typically underrepresented in census data. Given these factors, nonprofits across the country are getting involved with the Census in order to help make the process as understandable and accessible as possible and to ensure the most accurate population count.
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How can my nonprofit encourage participation in the 2010 Census?
There are a number of ways your nonprofit can get involved with the 2010 Census! Below are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Write an article for your newsletter and/or website, talking about the importance of the U.S. Census and highlighting key dates. Use our Nonprofit Resources for more information.
- Become a Questionnaire Assistance Center - Does your organization's facilities have small, private space that can be used by census employees to provide assistance for people completing 2010 Census forms? Click here to learn more.
- Become a Be Counted Center - Be Counted Centers act as official distributors of the 2010 Census forms for those who have lost, not received or simply do not have a 2010 Census questionnaire. Click here to learn more.
- Distribute any of the Resources from this page to your networks - staff, board, volunteers, clients, and personal networks too! You have permission to distribute these resources in hard copy or electronic form.
- Watch for an announcement of available Census 2010 SWAG (t-shirts, posters, etc.). We will post updates like this on this webpage and spread the word through our email networks.
- Sign Up to receive MNA's MI Nonprofit News and Public Policy Action Alerts in order to have the latest Census updates sent right to your inbox.
These are just a few suggestions. Reach out to your community in the way that is most effective for you and the people you serve. Feel free to contact us with questions!
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Is any funding available for census work?
The Michigan Nonprofit Complete Count Committee is no longer accepting proposals from nonprofit organizations with census activities.
MNA and the Michigan Nonprofit Complete Count Committee congratulate the following organizations for being selected to receive 2010 Census Grants for activities related to increasing the mail return rate for census forms in hard-to-count communities. The following organizations have been selected as grantees:
ACCESS, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote – Michigan, Catholic Social Service of Oakland County, City Connect Detroit, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Inter-Tribal Council, Michigan 2-1-1, Michigan Citizen Education Fund, Neighborhood Service Organization, Nonprofit Network, Priority Children, Saginaw Community Action Committee, and Vanguard Community Development Corporation. (Read the complete media release)
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How can I stay updated on the latest news regarding the Census?
New information and resources on work related to the 2010 Census will be posted on this web page. Additionally, MNA includes timely updates on the Census via its regular MI Nonprofit News and Public Policy Action Alert email networks. To sign up to receive these communications, click here.
Click here to see recent Census media releases
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Become a Questionnaire Assistance Center
Does your organization's facilities have small, private space that can be used by census employees to provide assistance for people completing 2010 Census forms? If so, you may be eligible to become a Questionnaire Assistance Center; a public facility where Census employees help people fill out their Census forms. The Census Bureau's deadline for identifying QACs nationwide is December 31st - local deadlines vary, but many regions are still identifying QACs for the 2010 Census.
Contact your Local or Regional Census Office to apply.
Become a Be Counted Center
Be Counted Centers act as official distributors of the 2010 Census form for those who have lost, not received or simply do not have a 2010 Census questionnaire. These sites will provide 2010 Census forms in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian. After signing on to become a Be Counted site, organizations receive a Be Counted box, along with census forms in the appropriate languages for their clients, to display in their facility. The Be Counted program runs for 4 weeks during spring 2010. Contact your Local or Regional Census Office to learn how to become a Be Counted Center.
Looking for Nonprofit Resources and the 2010 Census Toolkit? Click here
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Contact Us
Sam Singh, Consultant, 517-485-4477
Direct media inquiries to:
Lisa Sommer, Public Relations Manager, 517-492-2400
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