Is I Live Here I Give Here an Intermediary Organization?

The Imperative Role of Intermediary Orgs in Nonprofit Culture

For the last year, I have proudly led our nonprofit, I Live Here I Give Here. But I am acutely aware that our organization is not directly feeding puppies or babies. Our programs do not include building latrines or cleaning a park. We do not train therapy horses or provide a safe space for marginalized teens…

And yet the work that we do at I Live Here I Give Here is essential to ensuring that Central Texas is a place where no need goes unmet, making sure that imperative community work continues. From organizing Amplify Austin Day and its $10 Million annual contribution to nonprofits, to getting corporations meaningfully engaged in the community, to training new board members and educating givers in the community, we are working to make it as easy as possible to give back.

This makes I Live Here I Give Here an intermediary organization, which admittedly is not the sexiest of terms but does serve an imperative role.

What are Intermediary Organizations?

Intermediary organizations are mission-driven organizations designed to channel local resources to where they are needed most.

Here’s what we do. We are connecting donors with those community organizations delivering the imperative charitable services. And by that definition, we are an intermediary. Here’s the thing, intermediary organizations come in many forms, from donor advised funds and giving circles to community foundations and fiscally sponsored projects. The use of intermediary organizations has grown tremendously in recent years.

Why are Intermediaries Needed?

At their best, intermediaries address limitations that hinder the effectiveness of the nonprofit sector. Here are some key ways they contribute:

  • Operational Backbone: Many nonprofits lack the resources to handle administrative tasks like financial management and fundraising. Intermediaries provide this infrastructure, allowing nonprofits to focus on their core mission. I Live Here I Give Here provides its nonprofit members with full 365 access to amplifyatx.org as a fundraising platform.

  • Strategic Expertise: Intermediaries often go beyond simply regranting funds. They offer expertise that enable nonprofits to utilize sophisticated tactics and deploy investment capital. I Live Here I Give Here provides nonprofits with training on fundraising and communications techniques, as well as networking opportunities. We also train individuals to serve as effective board members for local nonprofits.

  • Connecting Funders and Grantees: Intermediaries bridge the gap between funders and grantees who might not otherwise connect due to geographic barriers, differing timelines, or other logistical challenges. They can also help direct funding to a wider range of organizations, democratizing the sector that can sometimes favor established nonprofits. Amplify Austin Day connects nearly 30,000 donors each year to 700+ nonprofits, with annual donations of over $10 million. Of the ~730 nonprofits we serve, approximately 22% do not have paid staff and are entirely volunteer run. And we make sure that fundraising feels welcoming - to all donors, and especially to those historically quieted nonprofits to ensure the needs of their communities are being met effectively.

The Bottom Line

Intermediary organizations like I Live Here I Give Here are not simply middlemen. We play a crucial role in facilitating effective philanthropy by removing obstacles and fostering collaboration. Organizations like ours enable donors to make a bigger and better impact, empower nonprofits to achieve their goals, and ultimately contribute to a more vibrant and impactful charitable sector. 

Our role in the community, to help engage every Central Texan in giving, does not happen on its own. We require partners - the donors, the volunteers and the nonprofits we connect -  to channel resources to the puppies, the babies, and the parks in need. So, won’t you join us?

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