2020 Census grant applications due Friday

Published 5:00 am Friday, October 11, 2019

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is issuing a last call for projects to be considered for funding under the Alabama Counts 2020 Census Grant program. The deadline to submit an application is 5 p.m. Friday.

Alabama officials are pushing hard to get the word out about the importance of maximum participation.

ADECA is seeking applications for projects designed to increase the census response rates at all levels, particularly in communities and groups that are considered hard-to-count. Complete details, including types of organizations eligible to apply, are available at census.alabama.gov/grants. 

“The 2020 Census is critical to the future of Alabama and its communities. The state needs the assistance and support of local and regional groups to increase the count,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I encourage any interested and eligible organizations that already reach and serve hard-to-count areas and groups to submit an application.”

In 2010, Alabama saw 72 percent of its residents participate in the census. If that number holds true for 2020, the state will lose one of its congressional seats, and if the number slips to the 2000 census participation numbers, the state could lose two seats.

The population count is also used to allocate nearly half a trillion dollars in federal funding. A low count could mean less money for Alabama services and infrastructure improvements.