CENSUS 2020 Why Business & Philanthropy Should Support the Census 30 CMF Members Supporting $4.7M Pooled Fund & Engaging in the Michigan Nonprofit Association Nonprofit Counts Campaign
CENSUS: CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE TO COUNT EVERY PERSON IN THE U.S. • The census collects crucial demographic information every 10 years; it has been conducted since 1790. • The American Community Survey annually collects more detailed information from a sampling of persons in the U.S. • The U.S. Census Bureau is responsible for planning and implementation. • The federal government appropriates funding.
CENSUS DATA IS NECESSARY Businesses rely on data to inform creation of many products that the public and private sectors use.
CENSUS DATA IS NECESSARY Companies use data to make decisions about customers, the workforce and the economic landscape.
CENSUS DATA IS NECESSARY Census data is utilized to allocate over $800 billion in federal funding, including transportation, education and workforce development services necessary for a thriving economy.
STATE GOVERNMENT BUDGETS RELY ON CENSUS-BASED FEDERAL FUNDING Basis for Resources Communities Receive Under current funding figures, Michigan would lose an average of $1,800 of federal funds per year for each person not counted - for 10 years.
FUNDING FOR PHILANTHROPY’S PRIORITIES COMES FROM CENSUS DATA Census data is used to determine distribution Increased Demand on of federal funds that support vital programs Philanthropy and Nonprofits and services, including: Supplemental Those with the most to lose from an Nutrition Head Start Assistance undercount are the hardest to count, Program including communities of color, Special immigrants, young children, Medicaid Education seniors, people experiencing homelessness and others Free / Reduced WIC Lunch Programs traditionally served by nonprofits.
DATA DETERMINES VOTER REPRESENTATION AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT Ensuring Accurate Representation in Government & Policy Census data is used to reapportion government representation, including police & fire service areas.
WE HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR 200 YEARS; WHY DOES THE CENSUS BUREAU NEED HELP? • Rolling out new process: internet-first model • Lack of broadband access • Digital divide • Cyber security concerns • Citizenship question • Disinformation campaign
WE HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR 200 YEARS; WHY DOES THE CENSUS BUREAU NEED HELP? • Though this is a government responsibility, the business and nonprofit sectors have long been partners. • A Census Bureau Dec. 2018 report indicated need for trusted partners to negate challenges.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Utilize available communications channels to encourage employees, customers and the public to • participate early; post messages, videos and a link to the census questionnaire on the company website, intranet and social media channels. In 2010 PepsiCo focused on Latino residents; Mead Johnson Nutrition , makers of Enfamil – focused on educating parents to include their young children; Nickelodeon utilized Dora the Explorer in videos to encourage parents to complete census forms and include young children. Become a U.S. Census Bureau Partner to get free support/materials. • – In 2010 the Census Bureau worked with more than 267,000 public/private partners including Target, 3M, Walgreens, NBC, BestBuy and NASCAR . • Join the National Business Network for an Accurate Census – a free, virtual, private listserv. Ensure the census is adequately funded and help identify activities to encourage employees and customers to complete the census.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Sponsor or speak at events. • In 2000 Georgia Power Company co-hosted an Asian-American Census Summit that led to – multiple census initiatives to engage the community. Host centers where people can access computers/internet to complete the census. Encourage • employees to complete their census questionnaires at employee meetings and through inserts in company pay stubs, flyers in break rooms, and general company communications. Provide a private place at work to complete the questionnaire. – In 2010 Hy-Vee Grocery Stores hosted centers in their stores. In 2010 Target dedicated a section of its weekly in-store circular to promote the census. • Engage media, focusing on the importance of census data for effective allocation of public services such as education programs that strengthen the workforce or how data is used by business to get products where needed.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Lend an executive, celebrity or character to participate in Public Service Announcements. • In 2010 Comcast provided $3.5M for the “Make a Difference - Be Counted!” campaign. Time – Warner, Cox Communications and Charter Communications also contributed air time for PSAs. Directly encourage employees and customers to respond. • In 2000 Georgia Power Company placed inserts in customer bills explaining the importance of – the census and encouraged completion. • Provide grant support to NPOs that align/amplify government efforts. For 2020 Consumers Energy Foundation, Steelcase Foundation and Dow Chemical Foundation – are supporting MI’s nonprofit campaign.
WHAT IS MICHIGAN PHILANTHROPY SUPPORTING FOR ITS NPO CAMPAIGN?
WHAT CAN FUNDERS DO? CMF is hosting a Michigan Census Funders Learning Community for funders to continue to learn and share their census work. Discussions include: • What funders are doing • Progress on campaign implementation • Michigan's work in the context of national efforts • Stories from the field • Strategies to amplify the outcomes
FUNDER - CAMPAIGN RESOURCES Actions and Tips for Funders Resource List https://tinyurl.com/CensusResources https://tinyurl.com/CensusActionForFunders Additional resources are available online: https://www.michiganfoundations.org/census-2020
EVERY ONE COUNTS, SO... ENSURE Business needs a thorough and EVERYONE IS accurate census. Businesses & Corporate Philanthropy have many COUNTED. options to support this work.
GOOD LUCK WITH THE CENSUS EFFORTS IN YOUR COMMUNITIES! YOUR BUSINESSES & COMMUNITIES NEED IT DONE WELL!
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