Protecting a Fair and Complete 2030 Census: Why Kentucky Nonprofits Should Pay Attention Now

The next Census is in 2030, but important decisions being made TODAY could affect Kentucky communities until 2040 and beyond.  

On September 10, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Census Bureau released a proposal that would make significant changes to how people are counted in the 2030 Census and what demographic information is collected. If adopted, these changes could leave millions of people out of the count. The proposal would also, for the first time in two centuries, stop collecting information about race and ethnicity. 

Why the Census Matters for KY Nonprofits & Communities  

Nonprofits rely on census data to understand community needs, plan programs, secure funding, advocate for change, and demonstrate the need for resources in their communities. 

When people aren't counted or important demographic information is missing, we have a less complete picture of our communities. It becomes harder to identify needs, demonstrate disparities, and make the case for investments in our communities. Nonprofits are often expected to step in to fill those gaps, while having less information and fewer resources to do so. 

That's why KNN is continuing to engage in census readiness efforts across Kentucky. A fair, complete, and accurate census helps ensure communities have the data, representation, and resources they need to thrive.  

Census Data in Action: Three Kentucky Examples 

Census data influences real dollars and real decisions in Kentucky communities. Here are three real examples of how census data impacts funding, services, and planning across the Commonwealth. 

• ARPA recovery funding: Population data from the U.S. Census Bureau was used in formulas that helped determine how over $3.77 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) state and local fiscal recovery funds were distributed to counties and cities across Kentucky following the COVID-19 pandemic.    

• Opioid response efforts: Kentucky is expected to receive more than $1 billion in opioid settlement funds over time. Population data has been one factor used in Kentucky's opioid settlement allocation formula, alongside measures of opioid shipments, overdose deaths, and community impact. Accurate population data helps ensure resources are directed to the Kentucky cities and counties where they are needed most. 

• Healthcare and basic needs programs: Census data helps inform funding formulas for programs such as Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), school meal programs, child care assistance, and housing programs that support Kentucky families every day. Census Bureau data is used in hundreds of federal assistance programs that distribute funding across the country.  

What's Being Proposed? 

The proposal would exclude broad categories of people, including international students, refugees, asylum seekers, temporary visa holders, undocumented individuals, and others, from the population counts used to allocate congressional seats and federal funding. It would also establish new residency criteria, including using records and information from the months leading up to Census Day to determine where people are counted. The proposal would also eliminate questions on race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Together, these changes could lead to confusion, undercounts, reduced access to resources, and less reliable data for understanding community needs and disparities. 

What KY Nonprofits Can Do NOW 

Census planning doesn't begin in 2029. Work on the 2030 Census is already underway. 

The current proposal is open for public comment, giving nonprofits an opportunity to share how these changes could affect the communities they serve. 

• Sign the national letter opposing the proposed changes (deadline October 13) 

• Submit a public comment to the Census Bureau (use this comment guide, which includes a summary of proposed regulation, talking points, and comment template and instructions)

• Educate board members, staff, and advocates about why a fair, complete, and accurate census matters.  

A fair and accurate census affects every Kentucky community. Census data helps shape funding, representation, and decisions that affect the communities nonprofits serve. 

Helpful resources:  

• Watch this recording: 2030 Census Readiness for Nonprofits
• Kentucky Youth Advocates Census Resources
• Census Counts 
• Census Project
• KNN Census webpage coming soon – stay tuned