Overview
United Philanthropy Forum’s Census 2030 Mini‑Grant Program catalyzes philanthropy’s role in securing a fair and accurate count. Through small, strategic grants to regional and national philanthropy-infrastructure organization members, the program fuels practical education, coalition‑building, and resource development that strengthen civic infrastructure and undercounted communities.
This is about more than one‑off events; it’s about equipping funders and partners to act together, early and consistently, so every community is seen and resourced.
Key Project Elements
- Eligible applicants: Current Forum member PIOs (regional or national) with the ability to engage funders and cross‑sector partners on census and civic participation work.
- Award size and term: Grants typically range from $2,000–$5,000, supporting projects implemented within the grant year, with flexibility to align to your convening calendar and state/regional timelines.
- Allowable uses: Speakers and content expertise (including travel), materials and toolkit production, convening and facilitation costs, and staff planning time. Forum staff can help identify content experts and peer resources.
- Priority emphasis: Proposals serving geographies with limited existing census investment and initiatives centering historically undercounted populations; applications that demonstrate credible pathways to leverage additional dollars or commitments.
- Deliverables: At least one high‑quality convening or conference session (stand‑alone or embedded) that moves participants from awareness to action; tailored resources or guidance funders can use immediately in their markets.
- Evaluation and learning: A brief program evaluation is required. The Forum will synthesize grantee learnings to share network‑wide so members can adapt and build on what works across contexts.
- Additional investment: No match is required. PIOs are encouraged to track any additional dollars or in‑kind contributions to document leverage and inform field learning.
Applications are due by November 1, 2025.
Learn more about the grant requirements by visiting the program webpage, and contact the Forum Advocacy & External Relations team with any additional questions.