Amplify Austin Day encourages Central Texans to support more than 700 nonprofits, with the goal of raising $10 million. Residents can donate online.
AUSTIN, Texas — Central Texans are being encouraged to give back as the region’s largest annual day of philanthropy, Amplify Austin Day, gets underway.
Organized by nonprofit I Live Here I Give Here, the 24-hour online fundraising campaign invites residents across seven counties to donate to hundreds of local nonprofit organizations.
The event runs through 6 p.m. Thursday and participants can contribute online.
Amplify Austin Day supports more than 700 nonprofit organizations serving the Central Texas region, including Travis, Hays, Williamson, Burnet, Bastrop, Caldwell and Blanco counties. This year, organizers hope to raise $10 million collectively for participating groups.
Executive director Piper Nelson said even small acts of generosity can make a difference for both donors and nonprofits.
“This year, even more than usual, if you are sitting on the couch and feeling sort of confused or down, getting up and giving back to the community — whether you give $5 on Amplify Austin Day or whether you give an hour of your time to the pet shelter — whatever it is, that giving back can really rise you out of that helplessness,” Nelson said.
Donors can search for participating nonprofits by keyword, location or category. The platform lists 19 cause areas ranging from environmental protection and animal welfare to services for veterans and support for the arts.
Among the participating organizations is the Community Coalition for Health, which has provided health outreach services to East Austin residents since 2014. The nonprofit works to raise awareness and helps residents overcome barriers to access health and mental health care by connecting them with providers and community resources.
“I believe our work is important because we believe that change starts at the community level,” said Charles Moody III, a project manager with the organization. “But it only can last at the policy level. And so we really strive to change policy, not just change communities.”
New this year, several Austin-area companies are participating as “Giveback Partners,” offering additional ways for residents to support nonprofits during the campaign.
Participating businesses include Amy’s Ice Creams, Antonelli’s Cheese, Consuela, Home Slice Pizza, Howler Brothers, Lucky Lab Coffee Company, Willie’s Joint Bar and Grill, Sour Duck Market, Tso Chinese and Window Nation.
Some businesses are offering profit-sharing initiatives or perks for donors, such as a free ice cream topping with proof of donation.
Organizers say the goal is to make giving easy while connecting residents with causes that matter to them across Central Texas.