Collaborative Effort Pushes Census Participation

Two years ago, The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County recognized an opportunity to take a leadership role in encouraging the public to participate in the 2020 Census. They convened a “Census Council” that developed a comprehensive strategy to promote the census, encourage community-wide participation, and brainstorm ideas and partners to assist people most-likely to be missed through regular census processes. Their work was critical to laying a strong foundation for census participation.

Now, with only a few days left before the September 30 census deadline, they are racing against the clock to get as many residents as possible to complete the census.

To assist, Ball Brothers Foundation awarded Rapid Grant funding to The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County to print door hangers with localized messaging. In collaboration with neighborhood associations, the door hangers will be distributed by volunteers in neighborhoods in the heart of Muncie. In addition, postcard flyers and e-reminders will be distributed via Muncie Community Schools and school districts across the county. 

“The Census helps determine how federal funding is distributed to local communities—Muncie and Delaware County’s roads, schools, childcare programs, and healthcare programs will all be directly impacted by the census population counts. There is an estimated $2,700 per resident per year at stake in the 2020 census. And because the census is only conducted every 10 years, we all need to encourage our friends, family, and neighbors to complete the quick, simple questionnaire,” shared Jud Fisher, president & coo of Ball Brothers Foundation. 

Currently, 59% of Muncie residents and 65% of Delaware County residents have completed the census. These rates are below the response rates in 2010.

The census questionnaire can be completed online, by mail or over the phone. It is safe and private. The questionnaire is short and only asks for basic information for all people living in the household. It does not ask for sensitive information like social security numbers, immigration status or bank account information.  

Official census workers are also scheduled to be on-site during the following events to help community members complete the census:

• September 12 – Tuhey Pool

• September 14 – City Council Meeting

• September 17 – Second Harvest Food Bank Tailgate

• September 18 – Delaware County’s Commissioners’ Blood Drive

• September 19 – Tuhey Pool

• September 24 – Second Harvest Food Bank Tailgate

• September 24 – “Push to Pools” Youth Voters’ Registration Push at Ivy Tech

• September 24 – Dream with Dan, Mayor of Muncie

• September 26 – Tuhey Pool

  To complete the census, visit my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020.