Community Foundation takes on role of 2020 census nonprofit hub

Alpena, Mich. — the 2020 census is less than a year away, and one organization has signed on to be a nonprofit hub in order to make sure every person is counted.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan will use it’s network of nonprofit groups to help make sure the region produces an accurate count.

“There is a lot at stake for northeast Michigan to lose by being under counted, and as it stands right now, it’s estimated that 16% of northeast Michigan’s population will not be counted in the census,” said Christine Hitch, director of marketing communications. “If that’s the case, it is a huge amount of funding that we face losing.”

Researchers also estimate that for every person not counted, communities will lose about $1,800 per year in federal funds. That’s $18,000 per person over a ten year period. Many nonprofits already have connections to populations who might not be counted or understand the importance of the census.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan’s hub is supported by the statewide Census 2020 Michigan Nonprofits Count Campaign, managed by the Michigan Nonprofit Association in partnership with the Council of Michigan Foundations.

The foundation plans to put together an advisory committee and provide grants for nonprofits that are willing to help out.