AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Central Texas prepares for one of its largest annual giving events, I Live Here I Give Here is calling on residents across the region to help raise $10 million during this year’s Amplify Austin Day.

The 24-hour fundraiser begins at 6 p.m. on March 4 and runs through 6 p.m. on March 5, supporting over 700 nonprofits working across seven Central Texas counties.

What is Amplify Austin Day?

Amplify Austin Day gives residents a centralized, online platform to donate to organizations that align with their passions. From animal welfare and the environment to arts, veterans’ services and basic needs. In addition to the main giving window, early donations opened Jan. 28 and count toward nonprofit totals.

Piper Stege Nelson, Executive Director of I Live Here I Give Here, said the event has grown significantly since its launch more than a decade ago. “Amplify Austin Day is the largest giving event in Central Texas. It’s 24 hours and it’s primarily an online giving day,” Nelson said. “Our goal this year is 10 million dollars.”

Last year, the event raised $9.7 million, part of more than $122 million donated since the giving campaign began.

Community Impacts

Nonprofits of all sizes rely on the event’s financial boost, Nelson said, especially smaller, volunteer-led organizations. “There are lots of nonprofits that really rely on this funding. About 25% of our nonprofits are entirely volunteer-led,” she said.

Nelson shared several examples of how Amplify Austin contributions directly affect the community, including a donation that helped a student supported by 100 Black Men of Austin stay in her home when she struggled to pay rent.

One organization that relies heavily on this fundraising event is the nonprofit Meals on Wheels of Central Texas. The organization delivers thousands of meals each day to older adults and homebound residents across Central Texas.

Henry Van de Putte, CEO and president, said the organization’s programs extend beyond meal delivery. “Home-delivered meals are our largest program… It’s about the knock. It’s about the social connection to the volunteer delivering that meal,” he said.

Meals on Wheels also operates home-repair and in-home care programs, all supported by a large volunteer network. The organization aims to raise $1000,000 during Amplify Austin Day this year, enough to provide 25,000 meals.

“Last year we raised just under $80,000… that’ll serve 25,000 meals,” Van de Putte said. “That’s real impact each and every day.”

How it works

Through the Amplify Austin Days website, donors can browse more than 700 organizations organized into 19 cause categories. Nelson emphasized how easy it is for anyone to participate.

“Individuals can just go on and give a gift… they can search for that, find a nonprofit, and they can create a fundraising page and just go wild,” she said.

Businesses can also join in by creating company giving pages and encouraging employees to participate. Last year, corporate-giving efforts brought in more than $1 million.

A growing need

With rising costs, more Central Texans are turning to local nonprofits for support. Van de Putte said Amplify Austin Day brings attention to organizations that many residents may not know are quietly serving thousands.

“Amplify acts like the front porch or the front door to new folks,” he said. “We need so many new voices each and every day, new eyes each and every day.”

Both leaders said even small donations can make a big difference. “Whether you have $5 to give or 50 minutes to give… it’s imperative,” Nelson said. Van de Putte echoed that sentiment: “In this uncertain time, it takes more than money to move a mission. It takes heart.”

How to participate

Amplify Austin Day runs from 6 p.m. March 4 to 6 p.m. March 5. Early donations are open on their website. Community members can support nonprofits by donating, creating fundraising pages, joining employer giving efforts, or volunteering their time.

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