Ten Illinois grantmakers have announced grants totaling $1.2 million to organizations working to improve 2010 census participation in hard-to-count, poor, minority, rural, and high-rise communities in the state.

Funded by Boeing, the Chicago Community Trust, the Woods Fund of Chicago, and the Joyce, Chicago Bar, Grand Victoria, MacArthur, Fry, Steans Family, and Polk Bros. foundations, the Count Me In initiative will work to increase the mail-back rate of census forms in thirty-seven Illinois counties through public education campaigns, community outreach, new media trainings, and other grassroots activities.

Grants awarded through the initiative include $150,000 to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; $145,000 to the United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations; $81,000 to the Center for Economic Progress; $81,000 to Illinois Action for Children; and $68,000 to AgeOptions.

Mandated by the Constitution, the once-a-decade survey guides government decisions about resource allocations, such as where to build new roads, schools, and hospitals. The 2010 census is particularly important because it will help determine the distribution of some $400 billion a year in federal funds to state and local governments, including more than $14 billion a year to Illinois. Researchers predict Illinois will lose $12,000 in federal funds during the next ten years for each uncounted person.

"As our state faces a severe budget crisis, funds determined by the 2010 census will be even more essential," said Joyce Foundation president Ellen S. Alberding. "The groups we fund — using tactics ranging from door-knocking and celebrity text messaging to barber shop and church outreach — could persuade thousands of Illinoisans to be counted."

For a complete list of grantees, visit the Chicago Community Trust Web site.