Issue 25, January 2020
Welcome to the 2020 Census
Once a decade, America comes together to count every resident in the U.S., creating national awareness of the importance of the census and its valuable statistics. Counting our population and households provides the basis for reappointing congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy .
Every person matters!
The Census Benefits Your Montana Community
Federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race and other factors. Your community benefits the most when everyone is counted. People in your community use census data in many ways:

  • Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life and consumer advocacy.

  • Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores, and these create jobs.

  • Local government officials use the census to ensure public safety and plan new schools and hospitals.

  • Real estate developers and city planners use the census to plan residential development and improve neighborhoods.

The success of the census depends on everyone’s participation, and the Census Bureau relies on cross-sector collaborations with organizations and individuals to encourage people to participate.
Source: census.gov
Undercounted Population: Native Americans
Native Americans are the most undercounted group on the U.S. census, which means they get significantly less of much needed funding from crucial federal programs, scant improvements on reservation infrastructure and health care, and even the loss of political representation.

You Can Help Ensure All Montanans Count!
 Professionals and organizations working in human services can help our state receive the support and financial benefits we deserve. Talk to those you work with and relay the importance of being counted. These great resources offer everything you could possibly want to know about the census.

Census 2020 Mini-Grants
Thanks to the generosity of several foundations in the state, Montana Nonprofit Association is launching a competitive, statewide program to award micro-grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to support get-out-the-count activities and events. A priority for funding is 1)  Hard-to-Count Communities  and 2) hardest to count populations including:
  • Young Children (0-5 years)
  • Low income persons
  • Racial and ethnic minorities
  • Young adults and college students
  • Faith-Based Communal groups (e.g. Hutterites, Mennonites)
  • Highly mobile persons
  • Non-English speakers
  • Persons experiencing homelessness
  • Undocumented immigrants
  • Persons who distrust the government
  • LGBTQ persons
  • Persons with mental or physical disabilities
  • Persons who do not live in traditional housing

Organizations interested in leading activities to support an accurate count in any of these HTC populations may apply for a micro-grant of up to $5,000 to fund their work. Applications will be available on MNA's website starting January 24th. Deadline to apply is May 15th. Awards will be given on a first come first serve basis.


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The University of Montana's Center for Children, Families & Workforce Development partners with the child protection, health, educational, and judicial systems to develop and deliver educational and training resources to professionals and caregivers statewide.
The Center also conducts research that focuses on solving problems that impact children and families. Support for these efforts comes from the University of Montana, College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences, and School of Social Work.