The Philly Counts 2020 Action Fund seeks to support Philadelphia’s efforts to ensure a complete count of all residents in the upcoming census.
PHILADELPHIA – Philly Counts 2020 and Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia announced the launch of the Philly Counts 2020 Action Fund today. The Action Fund was created to support Philadelphia organizations in raising awareness about the importance of the census. The Action Fund will provide grants to nonprofit community-based organizations that agree to advance the work of the 2020 Census in neighborhoods identified to be at risk of being undercounted. Grant proposals are being accepted now through Spring 2020.
“The 2020 Census comes with new challenges and decreased federal funding to support engagement efforts by community-based organizations,” said Stephanie Reid, Executive Director of Philly Counts 2020. “The Action Fund will prioritize community involvement and empowerment by funding work that promotes census awareness and completion in historically undercounted communities across Philadelphia.”
In early July, Philanthropy Network’s Board of Directors approved the organization to serve as fiscal sponsor for the newly-established Philly Counts 2020 Action Fund.
“We are excited to partner with Philly Counts to ensure a complete count for the upcoming census. With combined financial resources, we can prioritize hard-to-count communities and other ‘get out the count activities’—all for the ultimate benefit of the entire community,” said Shira Hodges, Vice President of Strategy and Learning at Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia.
The Action Fund will provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Higher grant requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis. To be eligible for a grant from the Philly Counts 2020 Action Fund, applying organizations must primarily serve Philadelphia County residents and have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Only project-specific support is available through this fund. General operating costs will not be covered.
A Grant Review Committee will review applications as they are submitted, and 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.
“We will be executing efficient and responsible grantmaking with minimal administrative burden for applicants. Additionally, the Action Fund will be flexible in the size of grants made and will be transparent in sharing information about the process and grantees on our websites and other communications channels, ” Hodges added.
More information on Philadelphia’s efforts to support the next United States Census, including volunteer and job opportunities, can be found on the program’s website.
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About Philly Counts 2020
Philly Counts 2020 is the City’s effort to support the next United States Census. By working closely with community members and partners, this program aims to: increase understanding about the importance of the census, educate the public on how to participate, ensure responses from the public for a fair and accurate count, and support filling census jobs. More information is available at phila.gov/census.
About Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia
Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia convenes and connects the funders as catalysts for positive action, innovation, and effective giving in our region, providing a unique forum for learning and collaboration. The Network brings funders together with community partners and leaders to spark solutions that foster a more prosperous, innovative, and equitable region. More information is available at philanthropynetwork.org.