Grant Writing & the 2010 Census

Census data can aid grantwriters in all phases of the proposal process. Knowing how to find data, how to gather information and and how to assimilate it into your planning is key to being effective.

If you can define how many people are underserved or how many people live below the poverty line in your community, you can make a case for developing a program to support their needs.

If you can define the diversity in your neighborhood and incorporate it into your narrative, you can point to the need to build resources that support culture, ethnicity and language needs.

Census data is also valuable when reporting or doing program evaluation. How does you program stack up to the demographics in your community? Did you serve the population that needed to be served? Did you miss an opportunity that you can build into future activities?

Bottom line: the census defines who we are as a nation. Every year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to state, local and tribal governments based on census data. Accurate census data help determine congressional representation, grant funding and guide local decision-makers on where to build new roads, hospitals, housing, schools and more.

The 2010 Census form has 10 simple questions. Please complete and mail back your form. Encourage your family, friends, neighbors and organizations to do the same. For more information, visit the 2010 Census.