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2010 Census - Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions on the U.S. Census

• What is the Census?
• Who is counted by the Census?
• How is the Census taken?
• What if I don't mail back my Census form?
• What is on the Census form?
• Is the Census form only in English?
• Is information taken by the Census private?

What is the Census?
Every 10 years, the U.S. conducts a census of the population by sending a form in the mail to every household in the country.

Who is counted by the Census?
The Census counts everyone who is living in the U.S. – regardless of citizenship.

How is the Census taken?
Census forms will be mailed to households in March 2010. Census forms must be mailed back on or before April 1, 2010. If assistance is needed filling out forms, Questionnaire Assistance Centers and Be Counted Centers will be available. For people living in group quarters such as nursing homes, student dormitories, or prisons, a Census Bureau worker will visit those facilities in April and May 2010 to take a count of those facilities.

What if I don’t mail back my Census form?
Households not returning a census form by mail will be called or visited by a Census worker. The best way to avoid having a Census worker come to your door is to mail back your form!

What is on the Census form?
The form is a simple one-page, 10-question form that will take less than 10 minutes to complete. It asks for information about the number of people living in your household, and their age, race and gender.

Is the Census form only in English?
Forms will generally be mailed in English, with bilingual English/Spanish forms mailed to selected areas. Forms in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Russian are also available by calling the request line on the back of the English form.

Is information taken by the Census private?
Information given on the census form is 100% confidential. By law, census information is not shared with any other government agency. Census workers take an oath to protect the privacy of respondents and face jail time and/or heavy fines if they violate that oath.

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Still haven't found your answer? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions from our friends at Nonprofits Count!

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Sam Singh, Consultant, 517-485-4477
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