Every ten years, the United States undertakes an effort to count every resident in the country. Called the U.S. Census, the data collected is used to determine how billions of dollars in federal funding are distributed to local communities and the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In Minnesota, the 2020 census was an important opportunity to ensure that our historically undercounted communities were seen, included and engaged. For every resident not counted, our communities lose an average of $28,000 in federal funding over ten years – this impacts our schools, community resources and infrastructure.
The Minnesota Council on Foundations brought together partners and allies to form the Our Minnesota Census Campaign and the Minnesota Census Mobilization Partnership (MCMP) to:
- Promote participation in the 2020 census;
- Create community-based strategies to engage historically undercounted communities;
- Develop sustainable civic engagement capacity; and
- Engage Minnesota grantmakers in democracy-building.
$4M+
Total Funding
300+
Organizations, city municipalities and counties
1.3M+
People Reached
1.5K
In-person & Digital Events
The momentum and partnerships built during MCMP’s 2020 census efforts created a lasting infrastructure for collaboration.
We hope that the lessons learned will help future organizers, mobilizers and engagers during the 2030 census – and beyond!
Minnesota was number one in the nation for the 2020 census self-response rate
75.1%
(Source: 2020census.gov; national self-response rate was 67%)
Key Takeaways
- It’s never too early to start organizing. In fact, don’t stop!
- Be proactive about preventing and minimizing barriers.
- Develop strong relationships with trusted community voices.
- Adaptability and variety of outreach and engagement tactics is key.
- Funding and coordination allowed groups to dedicate limited resources to key responses and actions.
Recommendations
for the 2030 Census
- Make census messaging relevant to people’s day-to-day lives.
- Start planning, organizing and mobilizing early.
- Empower and train community members.
- Build trust with communities.
- Translate materials (print and digital).
DOWNLOAD THE FOLLOWING:
- Full report
- Infographic
- Relational organizing toolkit
- MCMP communications plan
- PowerPoint presentation
- Social media toolkit
The 2020 Minnesota Census Mobilization Partnership is managed by the Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF).