Home Contra Costa County Contra Costa Census 2020 Grant Funding Available, Request for Proposals Released

Contra Costa Census 2020 Grant Funding Available, Request for Proposals Released

by ECT

Martinez, CA – Contra Costa County announces its Census 2020 Outreach and Assistance Grants through a Request for Proposals (RFP). The grant opportunity is available to tax-exempt organizations, schools, and public agencies to help ensure that every person in Contra Costa County is counted.

The County seeks to fund grantees that are committed to ensuring a complete count of County residents with an emphasis on Hard to Count populations. Grant amounts in phase one of the RFP released today will range between $2,000 to $20,000 to support Census outreach and education in Contra Costa County.

The grant funding was approved by the Board of Supervisors based on the recommendation of the County’s Census 2020 Complete Count Steering Committee to invest in and support Census 2020 outreach and education efforts. The Complete Count Steering Committee was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to help ensure a fair and complete 2020 Census count.

“Contra Costa County is proud to support organizations that will mobilize our communities to ensure a complete count of all residents,” said Board Chair, Supervisor John Gioia. “A fair and accurate count is important to ensure that Contra Costa County gets its fair share of federal funding for vital services and infrastructure.”

Census data collected every 10 years is the source of important information for communities, businesses, and governments. Many households will begin receiving communications from the U.S. Census Bureau in March, 2020. This Census count determines how many representatives each state has in Congress and how over $675 billion in federal funds are distributed to tribal, state and local governments each year to support education, infrastructure, and social services that are vital to our communities.

A George Washington University study estimates that for every person not counted, California and its local governments lose an estimated $2,000 a year per individual. Forty-two percent of Contra Costa County’s funding comes from federal and state resources.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of guaranteeing an accurate Census 2020 count. It is critical that we work together to educate, motivate and activate all Contra Costa County residents, particularly those who may not be aware of the Census, or who may be reluctant to respond,” said Supervisor Diane Burgis, District 3, and Chair of the County’s Census 2020 Complete Count Steering Committee.

“This funding will help trusted messengers in our hardest-to-count communities to share that the Census is easy, safe and important,” Burgis added. “And that we must all be ready to say “Count Me In” because “We All Count” in Census 2020.”

To help support local organizations and agencies that are working to engage and promote the participation of all Contra Costa County residents, particularly in hard to count communities, the County released Phase 1 of the RFP for Census 2020 Outreach and Assistance Grants. Grant applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on Monday, September 30, 2019 via email to [email protected].

All applicants are encouraged to attend the Bidders Conference on September 11, 2019 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the Paramount Conference Room, 777 Arnold Drive, Martinez, CA.

For more information about Contra Costa County’s Request for Proposals and its Census 2020 work and resources, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/census2020. Questions about the RFP can be directed to Barbara Riveira, Office of the County Administrator, at (925) 335-1018.

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