Millions raised for Central Texas nonprofits Annual day of giving deemed a success
The 10th Amplify Austin Day raised $12.6 million for over 700 nonprofit organizations throughout Central Texas this year.
The annual day of giving — hosted by nonprofit I Live Here I Give Here — began at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, and concluded at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 3. Nonprofits from Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson Counties received donations from 30,089 individual donors via the online platform at amplifyatx.org, according to ILHIGH. Locally, over half a dozen Dripping Springs-area organizations benefited from the virtual event.
“More than 30,000 Central Texans demonstrated that giving back locally is a community priority,” said Courtney Manuel, CEO of ILHIGH. “The tremendous growth of Central Texas also brings great disparities, and making a gift on Amplify Austin Day is evidence of our community’s acknowledgment of those disparities while also endorsing the critical work of our nonprofit sector, on the frontlines, committed to solving our region’s greatest problems.”
Larger companies played a significant part in Amplify Austin Day, promoting the campaign, giving monetary support and encouraging their employees to do the same. Overall, the business community donated more than $1.6 million in matching and direct support to this year’s campaign, according to ILHIGH.
“What an amazing 24 hours,” said ILHIGH board chair Elaine Garza. “Central Texas is on its way to becoming one of the most giving regions in the country, and I could not be more proud to live here. Thank you to all the amazing champions, donors, partners and nonprofits for all you do to make our community a better place.”
Local families, individuals, and groups also advocated for various causes by serving as peer-to-peer fundraisers for participating nonprofits. More than 1,661 community members led their own fundraisers, resulting in $1,467,580 for the more than 700 nonprofit organizations.
"Once again, the generosity of Austin Zoo's friends was on display during Amplify Austin 2022,” said Toni Alberty, guest relations with Austin Zoo. “We exceeded our goal, which will enable us to continue to care for our animals and work on enhancements around our zoo. The money donated continues to help all year long.”
Grand prizes ($5,000 each) were given to nonprofits with the most funds raised and most unique donors in the 24- hour period of Amplify Austin Day. Early giving prizes ($2,500 each) were given to nonprofits with the most funds raised and most unique donors during the early giving period of Jan. 18 to March 2. Hourly prizes ($1,000 each) were also given to the organizations with the most dollars raised or most donors received within various one-hour time frames throughout Amplify Austin Day. The full list of prize winners can be found at amplifyatx.org.
To learn more about Amplify Austin Day, visit amplifyatx.org.