An accurate count in the upcoming 2020 Census is incredibly important for Tennessee, but there will be some Tennessee residents who don’t respond to their invitation. The Tennessee Counts program is aimed at helping people understand the importance of the census and assure them of the confidentiality of their responses.

This grant is open to local governments and non-profit organizations that are actively engaged in providing education, awareness or assistance to communities for the upcoming census. The grants awarded will be up to three months long beginning April 1, 2020, and the maximum funding per project will be $10,000.

These grants may not support personnel costs, but can support education, training or technical assistance to local communities about the census and the process for participating. A few examples include:

• Purchasing of resources which increases the capacity of individual constituents to participate in the census;
• Printing of materials or other public awareness undertakings to increase participation in the census; and/or
• Supporting events where the census participation is a focus.

Preference will be given to proposals aimed at counting the hard-to-count populations.

An intent to apply must be submitted by Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, and applications are due one week later on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020.

To apply for the grant or to get more information, please visit the grant applications page on the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration’s website.