The 2010 Census is coming up and the results will have a serious impact on Massachusetts residents and nonprofits if all residents are not counted. Our state stands to lose a Congressional seat and the millions of dollars of federal funding. The Women’s Fund is acutely aware that any further funding cuts and lack of representation in Congress would seriously affect women and girls in our region.

The results of the census impact:

Distribution of over $400 billion a year in federal funds to state and local governments—$4 trillion over a ten-year period. In FY ’08, Massachusetts received $13 billion in federal funds through over 100 government programs, based in whole or in part on data from the census. The state may lose more than $2,000 in federal funding for each person per year if they are not counted on the census.

The number of seats Massachusetts has in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the Electoral College.

“Redistricting,” how lines are drawn for legislative districts, and whether historically underserved communities receive the representation they deserve.
Plans to help local communities locate services for the elderly, job training centers, new schools and recreation centers, health clinics, businesses, and more. Enforcement of civil rights laws in employment, housing, voting, lending, and education.

The Women’s Fund will hold an open information session about the 2010 Census and a new funding opportunity intended to help increase the number of “mail back” Census returns in the state by 5%. $400,000 in funding is available to nonprofit organizations through the Massachusetts Census Equity Fund. The Fund is a short term project supported by Access Strategies Fund and is made up of area foundations from across the state. Representatives from the Massachusetts Equity Fund and the United States Census 2010 will be at the Women’s Fund office on November 18, 2009 from 4:00-5:00 PM. to meet with interested nonprofit organizations and individuals. 
 
The Women’s Fund office is in Suite 358 at the Eastworks building, 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton. The meeting is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. RSVP required. Call Julie Kumble, Director of Grants and Programs at the Women’s Fund, 529-0087 x 12 or email juliek@womensfund.net