Related coverage: Philly seeks money for 2020 Census
by Michaelle Bond for the Philadelphia Inquirer (7.29.19)
As part of our ongoing efforts to encourage philanthropic engagement in the 2020 Census, Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia has partnered with Philly Counts 2020 to launch the Philly Counts 2020 Action Fund. Developed in conjunction with the Corporate and Philanthropy Subcommittee of Mayor Jim Kenney’s Philly Counts 2020 Complete Count Committee, the Action Fund seeks to ensure a complete count of all Philadelphians in the 2020 Census so our communities receive their fair share of federal dollars and representation.
Over the past 18 months, we have heard from both corporate and foundation members about the need for regional funders to have a focused and organized way to participate in the 2020 Census. The Philly Counts 2020 Action Fund will serve to address this need by:
- Increasing communication and coordination of work around the 2020 Census
- Encouraging effective, efficient strategies and increased philanthropic investments
- Streamlining support for education, community outreach, regional communications, policy advocacy and other “Get Out the Count” activities
- Prioritizing funding in hard-to-count communities
In early July, Philanthropy Network’s Board of Directors approved our serving as fiscal sponsor of the newly-established Philly Counts 2020 Action Fund. This role is in direct alignment with our strategic leadership agenda and our commitment to support policy activities that increase the impact of philanthropic investments affecting the funding priorities of our membership.
Key details of the Philly Counts 2020 Action Fund:
- Philly Counts 2020 will provide leadership around fundraising, communications and reporting, including publishing information about the fund, and conducting outreach to potential funders and grantees.
- Suggested funding levels range from $10,000 to $100,000, with the goal of raising a total of $1 million.
- The Philly Counts 2020 Action Fund will accept grant proposals between August 2019 and May 2020.
- Online grant applications may be submitted via Philanthropy Network’s website beginning August 5.
- Applications will be evaluated by a Grant Review Committee comprised of representatives of Philanthropy Network's Diversity, Equity & Inclustion (DEI) Committee.
- Philanthropy Network will facilitate grant approvals and payments on a rolling basis, taking advantage of a digital review process every 60 days to maximize time and capacity.
Learn more about the Philly Counts 2020 Action Fund or contact Shira Hodges with questions or for additional information.