Open Society Institute Encourages Grantees to Join Census Effort

The 2010 U.S. census will soon be underway, collecting information the government depends on to apportion seats in Congress, define political district boundaries, set policy priorities, and allocate as much as $400 billion in federal funds. But research shows that people of color, immigrants, low-income people and young children are too often missed in the count.

The Open Society Institute is working with funding partners and grantees to ensure a full and accurate census. OSI grantees can help by educating the communities they serve. Visit Nonprofits Count to learn how to get involved.

The Problem

The economic downturn has created additional challenges to traditional counting methods as job and home losses disrupt many neighborhoods.  In the Gulf region, the ongoing displacement of thousands of families in aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will further complicate the census effort. In some communities, language barriers and fear or mistrust of government agencies make it harder for the Census Bureau to convince people to mail back their census forms or speak to a census taker who visits their homes. 

What's at Stake

Consider this: for every 100 people not counted, a community loses an estimated $1.2 million in federal funds for programs such as Medicaid, social services block grants and vocational education over a decade. Billions of dollars for hospitals, schools, roads, and other vital programs depend on an accurate census count. The census contributes to economic development as public and private developers use the data when deciding where to build facilities that can bring jobs and retail options to communities.  And census data are used to monitor and enforce compliance with civil rights statutes, including the National Voting Rights Act of 1965, and employment, housing, lending and education anti-discrimination laws.

How to Help

As trusted sources of information in their communities, Open Society Institute grantees can help promote the census in various ways, many requiring few resources beyond time, enthusiasm, and using existing community relationships.  Community-based organizations may:

• Become an official 2010 Census Partner, and stay up-to-date on census preparations this year and operations next year.
• Participate in local Census Bureau Complete Count committees designed to minimize the undercount in your community.
• Connect with other groups working in your community to get out the count.
• Display and distribute census promotional materials at facilities that serve community residents and at events that your organization sponsors.
• Learn more at nonprofitscount.org.