Nonprofits and the 2010 Census: What's at Stake?

With questionnaires in the mail and the 2010 Census underway, now is the time for nonprofits to engage constituents to ensure that their communities receive an accurate count.

The implications of an undercount are strong for nonprofit organizations receiving substantial funding from government sources. As the National Council of Nonprofits explains, future allocations for programs such as Head Start, SCHIP, and Section 8 housing will all be based on the 2010 Census data. Communities showing a decline in population will likely see an accompanying drop in Federal funding. Even nonprofits that are not reliant on government grants could see reduced funding as grantmakers redirect funds to plug gaps in Federal or state allocations.

What can nonprofits do?
The Nonprofits Count! web site, a program of the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network, provides information and resources for nonprofits to use in communicating the importance of the 2010 Census to their communities and service populations, including an online toolkit with:

• fact sheets on hard-to-count population groups
• a checklist with suggested advocacy activities for nonprofits
• information on becoming a Census Partner organization
• free posters to display in your office or service area
• archived webinars on the Census and nonprofits

NVEN also provides a Nonprofit Census Action Plan with suggested advocacy activities for organizations to undertake during 2010.

In addition, many state nonprofit associations are providing information and resources on Census advocacy for local member organizations.

See the following resources for more recommendations and information:

• Nonprofit Knowledge Matters - Nonprofits and the 2010 Census
  National Council of Nonprofits


• Nonprofits Count!
  Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network (NVEN)


• 2010 Census
  U.S. Census Bureau

Thanks to Stephen Sherman, Reference Librarian, Foundation Center-Atlanta, for sharing this post.

The implications of an undercount are strong for nonprofit organizations receiving substantial funding from government sources. As the National Council of Nonprofits explains, future allocations for programs such as Head Start, SCHIP, and Section 8 housing will all be based on the 2010 Census data. Communities showing a decline in population will likely see an accompanying drop in Federal funding. Even nonprofits that are not reliant on government grants could see reduced funding as grantmakers redirect funds to plug gaps in Federal or state allocations.

What can nonprofits do?
The Nonprofits Count! web site, a program of the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network, provides information and resources for nonprofits to use in communicating the importance of the 2010 Census to their communities and service populations, including an online toolkit with:

• fact sheets on hard-to-count population groups
• a checklist with suggested advocacy activities for nonprofits
• information on becoming a Census Partner organization
• free posters to display in your office or service area
• archived webinars on the Census and nonprofits

NVEN also provides a Nonprofit Census Action Plan with suggested advocacy activities for organizations to undertake during 2010.

In addition, many state nonprofit associations are providing information and resources on Census advocacy for local member organizations.

See the following resources for more recommendations and information:

• Nonprofit Knowledge Matters - Nonprofits and the 2010 Census
  National Council of Nonprofits


• Nonprofits Count!
  Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network (NVEN)


• 2010 Census
  U.S. Census Bureau

Thanks to Stephen Sherman, Reference Librarian, Foundation Center-Atlanta, for sharing this post.