The U.S. Census Bureau, with its vast collection of demographic and economic data, offers a treasure trove of resources to support grant writers in their quest for accurate and compelling information. Here are some valuable U.S. Census Bureau resources for grant writers. 

1. American FactFinder

The American FactFinder is a user-friendly platform that enables you to access a wide range of U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant writers can use this tool to gather demographic, economic, and housing information for specific regions, cities, or neighborhoods. Explore the various datasets, create custom tables, and generate maps that provide visual representations of community characteristics. 

2. Census Business Builder

For grant writers working on projects with a focus on economic development or business initiatives, the Census Business Builder is an ideal resource. This tool provides access to demographic and economic data tailored specifically for businesses and entrepreneurs. It helps grant writers understand the economic landscape of a particular area by offering insights into industries, consumer spending patterns, workforce, and more. Incorporating these data-driven insights can bolster the credibility of your grant proposals.

3. American Community Survey (ACS)

The American Community Survey (ACS) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau is a comprehensive demographic survey that provides valuable and up-to-date information about American communities. The ACS is conducted annually, offering data on various socio-economic factors, including income, education, housing, and employment. The ACS is one of the best resources for grant writers as it furnishes detailed, granular data at the local and regional levels. 

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs

4. Census Bureau Webinars for Grant Writers

You read that right. The Census Bureau offers webinars just for grant writers to help us use its data effectively. Here are a couple of recorded webinars you might find particularly useful:

Using Census Bureau Data for Grant Writing

Census Tools for the Grant Writing Trade

5. Other Census Bureau Video Tools and Courses

There are many other very helpful How-To resources that every grant writer should know about, even though they were not prepared specifically for grant writers:

Data Gems (a comprehensive series of brief videos demonstrating how to access specific types of data.

Multi-module courses that take a deeper dive into data resources.

Data Equity Tools

Grant writers can benefit from accessing the resources provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. The American FactFinder and Census Business Builder are rich sources of demographic and economic data, enabling grant writers to incorporate accurate and persuasive statistics into their proposals. The many webinars, courses, and videos provide step-by-step instructions for accessing and using the data you need. By utilizing these resources, grant writers can elevate their proposals and increase their chances of securing funding.

And don’t forget! The GrantGoddess can help you learn how to build data into your grant proposal for maximum effect…or take the task off your hands and write winning proposals for you.

Contact us for information on resources like this!