Some 155 community-based organizations in New York City were awarded $19 million in census funds, in order to help ensure outreach and full participation in the 2020 census.
According to a press release released by the office of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, the funds, part of a joint investment by the de Blasio administration and the City Council makes up almost half of the city’s total $40 million investment in census-related mobilization and is being touted as the “largest investment by any city nationwide, and larger than investments made by most states.”
On Monday, de Blasio, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and The City University of New York Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez announced the names of all the organizations receiving funds, which include African Communities Together, Black Alliance for Just Immigration, Sure We Can, JASA and dozens more.
Awards will range from $15,000 to $250,000, with the organizations needing to expand capacity and engage in direct mobilization around the census from January through June of next year – including conveying the importance and significance of the census to the diverse communities that they serve, hosting “teach-ins” and workshops and other forums to drive conversation and engagement.
“We will fight the fear and disinformation by those forces that want to rob us of the resources and representation that are rightfully ours by investing in community-based organizing — a model we know works. Neighbors will empower neighbors to stand up and be counted. New York City will not be intimidated,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Organizations in Brooklyn, which had the lowest self-response rate in 2010, are expected to get most of the funding at 33%, while Queens, The Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island following up receiving 28%, 16%, 13%, and just under 10% respectively.