AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Central Texas prepares for one of its largest annual giving events, I live here and I give here She’s calling on residents across the region to help raise $10 million during this year’s Amplify Austin Day.
The 24-hour fundraiser begins at 6pm on March 4 and continues until 6pm on March 5, supporting more than 700 nonprofit organizations operating in seven Central Texas counties.
What is Amplify Day Austin?
Amplify Austin Day provides residents with a centralized online platform to donate to organizations that align with their interests. From animal welfare and the environment to the arts, veterans services and basic needs. In addition to the main giving window, early donations opened on January 28 and are counted toward the nonprofit’s totals.
Piper Stig Nelson, executive director of Live Here, 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 lasts 24 hours and is primarily a day of online giving,” Nelson said. “Our goal this year is $10 million.”
Last year, the event raised $9.7 million, part of more than $122 million donated since the giving campaign began.
Societal influences
Nelson said nonprofits of all sizes depend on financial support for the event, especially small, volunteer-led organizations. “There are a lot of nonprofits that really rely on this funding. About 25% of our nonprofits are run entirely by volunteers,” she said.
Nelson shared several examples of how Amplify Austin’s contributions directly impact the community, including a donation that helped a student supported by 100 Black Men of Austin stay in her home when she was struggling to pay rent.
One organization that relies heavily on this fundraising event is the non-profit organization Meals on Wheels in Central Texas. The organization provides thousands of meals daily to seniors and homebound residents across Central Texas.
Henry Van de Put, CEO and President, said the organization’s programs extend beyond meal delivery. “Home-delivered meals are our biggest program… It’s about the roads. It’s about the social connection with the volunteer delivering that meal,” he said.
Meals on Wheels also runs home repair and home care programs, all supported by a large network of volunteers. The organization aims to raise $1,000,000 during Amplify Austin Day this year, enough to provide 25,000 meals.
“Last year we raised just under $80,000…which will provide 25,000 meals,” Van de Put said. “That’s the real impact every day.”
How it works
By amplifying Austen’s days WebsiteDonors can browse more than 700 organizations divided into 19 cause categories. Nelson emphasized how easy it is for anyone to get involved.
“Individuals can go ahead and make a gift…they can look it up, find a nonprofit, they can create a fundraising page and get going,” she said.
Businesses can also join by creating company giving pages and encouraging employees to participate. Last year, corporate fundraising efforts brought in more than $1 million.
Growing need
As costs rise, more Central Texans are turning to local nonprofits for support. Amplify Austin Day brings attention to organizations that many residents may not know are quietly serving thousands, Van de Putte said.
“Amplify businesses like your front porch or front door to new people,” he said. “We need a lot of new voices every day, and new eyes 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 essential,” Nelson said. Van de Put echoed this sentiment: “In this uncertain time, it takes more than just money to move a mission forward. It takes courage.”
How to participate
Amplify Austin Day runs from 6pm March 4th to 6pm March 5th. Early donations are open at Website. Community members can support nonprofits by donating, creating fundraising pages, joining employer efforts, or volunteering their time.