Amplify Austin is a 24-hour online giving event that aims to bring the community together to support local nonprofits and make a lasting impact on the city of Austin, Texas. The event, which takes place annually, has become a staple of the city’s philanthropic scene, raising millions of dollars for various causes and organizations.
A Brief History of Amplify Austin
Amplify Austin was first launched in 2013 by I Live Here, I Give Here (ILHIGH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting philanthropy and community engagement in Central Texas. The event was created to address the growing need for funding among local nonprofits, which often struggle to secure resources and support.
Since its inception, Amplify Austin has grown exponentially, with each year’s event surpassing the previous one in terms of donations and participation. In 2020, the event raised a record-breaking $12.3 million for over 700 local nonprofits, demonstrating the power of collective giving and community spirit.
How Amplify Austin Works
Amplify Austin is a simple yet effective concept. Here’s how it works:
- Local nonprofits register to participate in the event, creating profiles and setting fundraising goals.
- During the 24-hour giving period, donors can visit the Amplify Austin website and make donations to their favorite nonprofits.
- Donations can be made in any amount, from $10 to $10,000 or more.
- Throughout the event, nonprofits and donors can track progress, share updates, and encourage others to give through social media and other channels.
Prizes and Incentives
To add an extra layer of excitement and motivation, Amplify Austin offers various prizes and incentives to participating nonprofits. These include:
- Hourly prizes: Nonprofits that raise the most money during specific hours of the event can win additional prizes and recognition.
- Grand prizes: The top-performing nonprofits in each category (e.g., arts, education, health) can win significant cash prizes.
- Matching gifts: Some donors offer matching gifts, where they match donations made to specific nonprofits during the event.
The Impact of Amplify Austin
Amplify Austin has a profound impact on the local community, supporting a wide range of causes and organizations. Some of the key areas of focus include:
- Education: Amplify Austin supports local schools, educational programs, and initiatives that promote literacy, STEM education, and college readiness.
- Health and wellness: The event raises funds for healthcare organizations, mental health services, and programs that promote healthy living and disease prevention.
- Arts and culture: Amplify Austin supports local arts organizations, museums, and cultural institutions that enrich the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
- Animal welfare: The event benefits animal shelters, rescue organizations, and initiatives that promote animal welfare and conservation.
Success Stories
Amplify Austin has helped numerous nonprofits achieve their goals and make a lasting impact on the community. Here are a few success stories:
- The Austin Animal Center: In 2020, the Austin Animal Center raised over $100,000 during Amplify Austin, which helped them provide critical care and services to animals in need.
- The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Austin Area: The organization raised over $50,000 during the event, which supported their after-school programs and services for local youth.
Getting Involved with Amplify Austin
Whether you’re a nonprofit organization, a donor, or simply a community member, there are many ways to get involved with Amplify Austin:
- Register your nonprofit: If you’re a nonprofit organization, register to participate in the event and start building your profile and fundraising campaign.
- Donate: Make a donation to your favorite nonprofit during the 24-hour giving period.
- Volunteer: Many nonprofits need volunteers to help with fundraising, marketing, and other tasks during the event.
- Spread the word: Share information about Amplify Austin with your friends, family, and social networks to help build excitement and momentum.
Tips for Donors
If you’re planning to donate during Amplify Austin, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Research nonprofits: Take some time to research participating nonprofits and learn about their missions, programs, and impact.
- Set a budget: Decide how much you want to give and stick to your budget.
- Take advantage of matching gifts: Look for nonprofits that offer matching gifts, which can amplify your donation.
- Share your donation: Share your donation on social media to encourage others to give and help build momentum for the event.
Conclusion
Amplify Austin is a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support a common cause. By providing a platform for local nonprofits to raise funds and awareness, the event has made a lasting impact on the city of Austin and its residents. Whether you’re a nonprofit organization, a donor, or simply a community member, there are many ways to get involved with Amplify Austin and make a difference.
What is Amplify Austin?
Amplify Austin is a 24-hour online giving event that aims to bring the community together to support local nonprofits and make a positive impact on the city. It is an annual event that takes place in March, where individuals can donate to their favorite charities and causes, and help amplify the work of these organizations.
The event is designed to be a fun and engaging way to give back to the community, with many nonprofits participating and competing for prizes and incentives. Amplify Austin is a great opportunity for individuals to learn about the amazing work being done by local nonprofits and to make a real difference in the lives of those in need.
How does Amplify Austin work?
Amplify Austin is an online giving event, which means that all donations are made through the Amplify Austin website. The event takes place over a 24-hour period, during which time individuals can visit the website and make a donation to one or more of the participating nonprofits. Donations can be made using a credit card or other online payment methods.
The website features a leaderboard that shows the nonprofits that are receiving the most donations, as well as a list of prizes and incentives that are available to the nonprofits that meet certain fundraising milestones. This creates a fun and competitive atmosphere, encouraging individuals to give and help their favorite nonprofits win prizes and recognition.
Which nonprofits participate in Amplify Austin?
Amplify Austin is open to all nonprofits that serve the Austin area. Any 501(c)(3) organization that is in good standing with the IRS is eligible to participate. Nonprofits can register for the event through the Amplify Austin website, and once registered, they can create a profile and start promoting their participation to their supporters.
Participating nonprofits come from a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, arts and culture, and social services. This diversity of organizations ensures that there is something for everyone, and that individuals can support the causes that are most important to them.
How can I participate in Amplify Austin?
There are several ways to participate in Amplify Austin. The most obvious way is to make a donation to one or more of the participating nonprofits. Individuals can visit the Amplify Austin website during the 24-hour giving period and make a donation using a credit card or other online payment methods.
In addition to making a donation, individuals can also help spread the word about Amplify Austin by sharing information about the event on social media, and by encouraging their friends and family to participate. Nonprofits also need volunteers to help them promote their participation and reach their fundraising goals.
What is the impact of Amplify Austin?
Amplify Austin has a significant impact on the Austin community. Since its inception, the event has raised millions of dollars for local nonprofits, and has helped to support a wide range of causes and initiatives. The event has also helped to raise awareness about the important work being done by nonprofits in the Austin area.
The impact of Amplify Austin goes beyond just the dollars raised. The event also helps to build a sense of community and social connection among individuals who participate. By coming together to support local nonprofits, individuals can feel a sense of pride and ownership in the community, and can help to create positive change.
How can I stay up-to-date on Amplify Austin?
There are several ways to stay up-to-date on Amplify Austin. The event has a website and social media accounts, where individuals can find information about the event, including the date, time, and participating nonprofits. Individuals can also sign up for the Amplify Austin newsletter to receive updates and reminders about the event.
In addition to these online resources, individuals can also follow their favorite nonprofits on social media to stay up-to-date on their participation in Amplify Austin. Many nonprofits will be promoting their participation in the event, and will be sharing updates and reminders in the days leading up to the event.
Is my donation to Amplify Austin tax-deductible?
Yes, donations made through Amplify Austin are tax-deductible. All of the nonprofits that participate in Amplify Austin are 501(c)(3) organizations, which means that they are eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. When an individual makes a donation through the Amplify Austin website, they will receive an email receipt that can be used for tax purposes.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional to ensure that donations are eligible for a tax deduction. However, in general, donations made to 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible, and Amplify Austin is no exception.