Why We Give: Local Businesses Amplifying Good

BY ERIN AJAYI, ILHIGH SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

AMPLIFY AUSTIN DAY

Hosted by I Live Here I Give Here, Amplify Austin Day (March 4-5) is the region's largest day of giving. This 24-hour annual event brings together thousands of Central Texans and hundreds of local businesses and encourages them to give back to the community by donating unrestricted dollars to local nonprofits. Amplify Austin Day could not come at a more important time to support nonprofits and community members in critical need of funds as we recover from the winter storm and the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There’s an authentic culture of community giving here in Austin. Neighbors helping neighbors is simply part of Austin’s DNA. ”

— Heather Venard, Communications & Community Relations Manager at Silicon Labs

Now in our ninth year, we invite you, our local business community, to join us on Amplify Austin Day as a Business Fundraiser. Create a custom fundraising page, set team goals, empower employees to make a difference, and uncover valuable metrics about employee giving.

We asked business leaders across industries to reflect on why they live where they give and the importance of Central Texas nonprofits, starting with our Amplify Austin Day Executive Challengers:

*Amplify Austin Day Executive Challengers are businesses who contribute $10,000 or more to the ILHIGH Amplify Fund and set up Business Fundraisers.*

NEEDS OF THE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY

Looking ahead, there is no doubt that local nonprofits will need the unrestricted dollars and infusion of new donors and volunteers as we continue to rebuild from February's recent winter storms and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and to implement real change for racial equity that was brought to the forefront of local and national conversations last year. A survey conducted by Mission Capital, in partnership with I Live Here I Give Here, found that 65% of nonprofits had to cancel fundraising events in 2020 and more than 50% saw a reduction in earned revenue and/or donations. At the same time, 80% of nonprofits experienced disruption in service and nearly 50% experienced increased demand. From Arts & Culture to Human Services, Amplify Austin Day raises awareness for nonprofits across the spectrum. Show your support today.

“Being a part of a community means being engaged and helping to solve issues that are affecting your neighbors. Participating in events such as Amplify Austin Day is important to show people how to give back and the impact of giving back.”

— Katherine Cheng, Head of Global & Community Impact at Expedia Group

CAMPAIGN GOAL = 60,000 DONORS. We CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU

The support of local businesses for Central Texas nonprofits is critical to Amplify Austin Day’s success. In 2020, Business Fundraisers and their employees raised $1M of the overall $12.3M raised on Amplify Austin Day for local nonprofits! Our goal this year is to double participation from years past to 60,000 donors, and we can’t do it without you. As a Business Fundraiser, there is no cost to participate, and I Live Here I Give Here will provide you tools to set up your profile and get the word out to your employees. Register today, and we’ll get you on your way to empowering your employees to support all the things that make our community a great place to live, love, work, and play.