Census Affects Funding in Your Community
Census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health, education, transportation and much more. That's more than $4 trillion over a 10-year period. An accurate count of all households means your community gets its fair share of federal and state funding.
 
Census Affects Your Voice in Congress
Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the census is also used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and to redistrict state legislatures. 
 
Census Affects Your Representation in State and Local Government
Census data are used to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government.
 
Census Informs Your Community's Decisions

It’s easy
The census questionnaire takes only a few minutes to answer and return by mail.

It’s confidential
Your responses are protected by law (Title 13, U.S. Code, Section 9). All Census Bureau employees have taken an oath to protect confidentiality and are subject to a jail term, a fine – or both – for disclosing any information that could identify a respondent or household.

It’s required by law
The information you provide is combined with responses provided by your neighbors and other households across the country, to provide summary statistical data that are used by various local, state and federal agencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Traditionally underserved groups, including people of color and low-income individuals, are often underrepresented in the census. In addition, these groups often lack access to census data or may be unsure how to utilize the data to benefit their communities. 

The Census Information Center (CIC) Program was established in 1988 as a public-private partnership to establish census data centers in community-based organizations.  The CIC Program seeks to broaden delivery of census information and address the lack of participation in the census survey by underserved communities.

CIC Network Members
Contact a CIC member organization to learn more. (offsite)

• American Indian and Alaska Native Organizations
• Asian American Organizations
• Children Organizations
• Emerging Populations Organizations
• Hispanic Organizations
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Organizations
• Rural Organizations

2010 Census Partners are government, non-profit, corporate or community organizations that have formally pledged their commitment to share the 2010 Census message and mobilize their constituents in support of the Census Bureau's goal of achieving a complete count.  Learn more about becoming a Census Partner.

Partner Organization Activities

• Issue a public endorsement for the 2010 Census and send an endorsement to members, chapters or affiliates.
• Use 2010 Census drop-in articles, messages and logos in newsletters, mailings, and other in-house communications.
• Organize and/or serve as a member on a Complete Count Committee.
• Provide a translator and/or translate 2010 Census materials.
• Display and/or distribute 2010 Census promotional materials.
• Volunteer or participate in Census Bureau-sponsored events.
• Donate space for 2010 Census advertisements.
• Provide space for Be Counted sites and/or Questionnaire Assistance Centers.
• Appoint a liaison to work with the Census Bureau.
• Write 2010 Census editorials.
• Participate in a Speakers Bureau for the 2010 Census.
• Encourage employees and constituents to complete and mail their questionnaire.
• Provide volunteers for 2010 Census promotional events.
• Put the 2010 Census on the agenda at meetings and/or allow presentations by Census staff.
• Sponsor community events to promote participation in the 2010 Census.