Census Work
It is difficult to overstate the importance of a fair census count. When census information is inaccurate, it threatens to muffle the voices of undercounted groups and regions, undermining the basic political equality central to our democracy. Institutions across the country - including local and state governments, businesses, nonprofits, and foundations - routinely rely on data from the census to allocate funding, define where services are delivered, and promote economic development.
Since its inception, Philanthropy California has engaged in multi-year initiatives to help philanthropy ensure a fair and accurate Census count in California. Our work has included sharing information, creating educational programs, supporting regional collaborations, and convening diverse stakeholders. We have partnered with California and national organizations to ensure effective and strategic coordination.
We encourage you to learn more about our past 2020 Census Work and our emerging 2030 Census efforts, and to reach out if you would like to get involved.
The 2020 Census faced a daunting set of challenges. The Census Bureau faced budget constraints like never before, and the data collection was rolled out online for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, scaling back door‐to‐door outreach and canvassing. These changes increased the potential for undercounting young children, minorities, low-income individuals, and other marginalized individuals.
Across the state, Philanthropy California supported efforts related to the 2020 Census by convening and facilitating conversations between funders, providing funder education, and coordinating communication amongst local funders to help advance local advocacy. We also organized and stimulated interest in the Census among funders and their grantees.
Philanthropy California also advocated for federal and state funding for the Census, convened funders with lawmakers to highlight the issue's importance, and participated in informational hearings to testify on the importance of the state fully funding census efforts across California.
Most notably, SCG on behalf of Philanthropy CA led the submission of an amicus curiae ("friend of the court") brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court opposing the citizenship question on the Census, which would have undoubtedly discouraged participation in the Census. In partnership with the Bauman Foundation and Funders' Committee for Civic Participation, Philanthropy California coordinated 30 private foundations, community foundations, and philanthropy-serving organizations across the country as co‐signers. While it is highly unusual for philanthropy to file an amicus brief, we chose to do so because undercounting hurts philanthropy's ability to have reliable data to drive assessments, tailor solutions, make data-driven investments, identify outcomes, and measure progress in achieving our goals and our mission.
Philanthropy California also utilized its platform and reach to issue statements opposing the addition of an untested citizenship question on the census form.
Statements
April 28, 2021
March 31, 2020
July 17, 2018