Peter Dunn

Pete’s Perspectives: A Major Civic Event

The census tells us where our attention is needed in matters of education, housing, economic development, and transportation, as well as our congressional representation in Washington.

While we are navigating one of the most challenging moments in recent history, we must not forget that we are also in the midst of a major civic event that will have a significant impact on Central New York’s next decade – the 2020 Census. Ensuring an accurate and complete census is critical to our community.

Why is it so important? The nationwide count of every person in the United States informs our federal funding to the tune of $800 billion. The census tells us where our attentions are needed in matters of education, housing, economic development and transportation, as well as our congressional representation in Washington.

Recognizing how important it is to collect comprehensive and accurate data in this count, the Central New York Community Foundation embarked on a year-long funding effort, investing nearly $100,000 to ensure as many people as possible are counted in the region’s hardest-to-count neighborhoods.

How do we know that this is important? We are data driven. We’ve witnessed first-hand the lack of resources allocated to communities based on inaccurate data. One notable case involves Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, which provides books to thousands of children in Onondaga and Madison counties each month from birth to age five. The number of children enrolled in Imagination Library came in higher than the number of children that had been reported to be actually living in particular neighborhoods. This may sound minor, but by not counting those children, Central New York did not receive the appropriate amount of government funding for libraries, schools, parks, hospitals and more.

An undercount leads not only to bad data, but erroneous funding decisions by governments that make allocation determinations based on population. As a philanthropic institution that relies heavily on census data to make key funding decisions of our own, a full and accurate count is one of our most pressing concerns.

By now, most of us should have received a census notification in the mail. We encourage residents to take the time to complete their surveys as accurately as possible for all of the people living in their households. Because every one of us counts. Central New York’s future depends on it.

Related Stories

Blogs March 11, 2023

Reflections: Asking the Important Questions

Danielle Johnson explains how we are working to distribute our discretionary grant dollars equitably.

hand holding growing money
Stories March 7, 2023

SECURE 2.0 Introduces Legacy IRA and a Boost for QCDs

Hear from Jan Lane, CAP®, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, about the three key provisions affecting philanthropists ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Headshot of Rhoda Sikes along with a photo of Onondaga Lake
Blogs February 21, 2023

A Lifetime Commitment to the Community: Rhoda Sikes

Even well after her tenure ended at Heman Street Elementary School, Rhoda Sike's passion for ...

Blogs February 18, 2023

Reflections: Learning and Working From DEI Principles

Ahmeed Turner explains how and why we prioritize with our staff the importance of learning ...

Blogs January 31, 2023

Reflections: Remaking the Mold

Guest writer Angela Outlaw-Matheny from Crewcial Partners explains how her personal experiences influenced her work ...

Two girls talking
News Releases January 30, 2023

More than $1 Million Distributed to Local Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $974,280 in Community Grants and $159,000 in ...

Blogs December 7, 2022

Reflections: Bringing Residents to the Table

Qiana Williams, program officer, shows us how participatory budgeting is helping residents form solutions to ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 6, 2022

Charitable Giving Using the New York Statutory Power of Attorney By Bill Davies

William Davies, Attorney at Davies Law Firm, P.C., explores how the New York Statutory Power ...

Blogs March 11, 2023

Reflections: Asking the Important Questions

Danielle Johnson explains how we are working to distribute our discretionary grant dollars equitably.

hand holding growing money
Stories March 7, 2023

SECURE 2.0 Introduces Legacy IRA and a Boost for QCDs

Hear from Jan Lane, CAP®, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, about the three key provisions affecting philanthropists ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Headshot of Rhoda Sikes along with a photo of Onondaga Lake
Blogs February 21, 2023

A Lifetime Commitment to the Community: Rhoda Sikes

Even well after her tenure ended at Heman Street Elementary School, Rhoda Sike's passion for ...

Blogs February 18, 2023

Reflections: Learning and Working From DEI Principles

Ahmeed Turner explains how and why we prioritize with our staff the importance of learning ...

Blogs January 31, 2023

Reflections: Remaking the Mold

Guest writer Angela Outlaw-Matheny from Crewcial Partners explains how her personal experiences influenced her work ...

Two girls talking
News Releases January 30, 2023

More than $1 Million Distributed to Local Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $974,280 in Community Grants and $159,000 in ...

Blogs December 7, 2022

Reflections: Bringing Residents to the Table

Qiana Williams, program officer, shows us how participatory budgeting is helping residents form solutions to ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 6, 2022

Charitable Giving Using the New York Statutory Power of Attorney By Bill Davies

William Davies, Attorney at Davies Law Firm, P.C., explores how the New York Statutory Power ...

View More