I Live Here, I Give Here's Amplify Austin kicks off at 6 pm on February 28 with its most ambitious goal yet. Before 6 pm on March 1, the 24-hour festival of giving hopes to raise a record $11 million.

Originally launched as The Big Give, the program was founded as a way to boost philanthropy in Central Texas. Over six years, Amplify Austin has raised more than $45 million for local nonprofits with help from groups like the St. David’s Foundation, who has already pledged $1.3 million in matching funds this year.

But the soul of Amplify is in the people of Austin, who work tirelessly each year to promote their favorite causes and do good by their neighbors.

What nonprofits are involved? 

Over 700 nonprofits are registered for Amplify Austin, covering animal care and services, arts and culture, basic needs, education, the environment, and more. Donors can search by name, keyword, location, or category. A list of all participating organizations can be found here.

In total, $5,000 in grand prizes are up for grabs in four categories: most money raised before midnight on March 1, most money raised by a small nonprofit, most money raised by a medium nonprofit, and most money raised by a (you guessed it) large nonprofit.

In addition, 24 prizes of $1,000 will be given each hour. From 6 pm on February 28 through 5 am March 1, those will be awarded to the organization that raises the most dollars within the hour. Then, between 6 am-6 pm, the nonprofit with the hour’s most individual donors gets the bonus.

Donors can follow along on the leaderboard to see which nonprofits are ahead.

How can I donate?
Get a jumpstart on the day by scheduling a donation here. After 6 pm on Thursday through the end of Amplify Austin, donations can be made here. Use the #amplifyATX hashtag to encourage the giving spirit.

Amplify is also introducing community prizes in 2019 to celebrate its donors. Hourly Golden Tickets will be awarded, allowing givers to assign an additional $100 to the nonprofit of their choice. The nonprofit with the most peer-to-peer fundraisers will be bestowed the Fundraising Champions Award, which comes with exclusive press and social media opportunities.

Is there a minimum donation?

Amplify Austin highly recommends a minimum donation of $25, but will take donations as small as $5.

Is this tax deductible?

All donations are 100-percent tax deductible. Immediately after checking out, donors will receive an emailed receipt and the donation will be available to the nonprofit of their choice in two to three business days.

Can I make my donation in person?

From watch parties to activations, there are plenty of opportunities to take the giving offline. On Thursday, Oskar Blues Brewery is partnering with Health Alliance for Austin Musicians and Transient Mic for a day of live music and Shake Shack is hosting a 25-percent donation day at both Austin locations to benefit Austin Humane Society. Salvage Vanguard Theater is hosting a 25th Birthday Pizza Party on Friday at North Slice Pizza on North Loop from 6-10 pm.

In addition, there are several official partners will amplify your Amplify donation. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is donating an extra $5 (up to $10,000) for donors who use the hashtag #LoveTitos. Favor delivery will also give $1 for every customer who tags @Favor and uses #ILiveHereIGiveHere, for a total donation of up to $20,000. See the complete list of partnerships here, or check with your favorite nonprofit for watch parties.

But why?

While Amplify Austin encourages supporting nonprofits all year with recurring donations, the dedicated 24 hours of giving inspires locals to make a big impact and encourage their friends and family to do the same.