Coook County census panel seeks outreach help for hard-to-count communities

The Cook County Complete Count Census Commission invites community-based organizations and local bodies of government within Cook County to submit applications for funding to conduct Census outreach initiatives in hard-to-count communities.

As part of its program to motivate hard-to-count residents to participate in the Census, Cook County is allocating up to $1 million for outreach initiatives of community-based organizations and local bodies of government that are approved by the Cook County Complete Count Census Commission. Up to $25,000 will be allocated per applicant to be used toward community-based education, outreach and assistance efforts for hard-to-count communities in Cook County.

"The 2020 Census is vital to our work in Cook County," stated Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "Every resident of the county must be counted so that we are able to keep federal funds coming to allocate for critical services such as health care, transportation and community development."

Motivating hard-to-count residents in Cook County to participate in the Census will require robust and coordinated outreach by community-based organizations and local governments. Given their deep relationships with and knowledge of hard-to-count populations, community-based organizations and local governments are trusted messengers and will be critical to ensure hard-to-count residents are counted.

"The 2020 Census gives us a once in a decade opportunity to shape the future of Cook County," said Commissioner Moore. "The work of our Complete Count Census Commission to fund countywide census outreach efforts will ensure that all residents are made aware of the importance of their participation in the 2020 Census and how they will ultimately directly or indirectly benefit from the county's economic, health and public safety resources."

The first round of applications is due Oct. 1. All funding is subject to the continued availability of funds.

For information and to download the application, please visit the county's website at: www.cookcountyil.gov/census.

The United States Census counts every resident in the United States every 10 years. Cook County is looking ahead to the 2020 Census to ensure that every resident is counted and Cook County is accurately represented. The county has set aside $2 million to assist in Census outreach efforts. In June 2019, Cook County Board president and the Board of Commissioners established the Complete Count Census Commission to guide the County's work on the 2020 Census, and in July 2019, appointed 15 members to the commission.