AUSTIN, Texas—On Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, I Live Here, I Give Here® (ILHIGH) launched the website that will serve as the gateway for the second annual Amplify Austin initiative. ILHIGH brought this innovative program to Austin last year, and it was an overwhelming success—raising nearly $3 million for more than 300 Central Texas nonprofit organizations. This year, Amplify Austin has amped up its goal and aims to raise $4 million for more than 400 local nonprofits. Amplify Austin will run from 6 p.m. on March 20, 2014 until 6 p.m. on March 21, 2014.
The program is simple—Central Texas nonprofits sign up to participate and the community has 24 hours to donate as much as possible to these organizations. Amplify Austin will then use funds provided through various sponsorships to proportionally match the amount raised by each nonprofit. Additionally, four grand prizes ($5,000 each) and 48 hourly prizes ($1,000 each) will be awarded. Grand prizes will be given to nonprofits for the most funds raised before midnight, the most funds raised in 24 hours, the most donors in 24 hours and the most volunteer fundraisers. Hourly prizes will be given for the most funds raised per hour as well as the most donors per hour.
“As last year’s Amplify Austin demonstrated, the Central Texas community is passionate about giving back and supporting nonprofits that make a difference here in our community,” Tom Spencer, executive director of ILHIGH, said. “With this year’s program, we challenge individuals and businesses alike to step up and show their dedication to the causes that mean something to them. We’re proud to report that 400 nonprofits have already signed up to participate.
Nonprofit organizations in Travis, Hays, Williamson, Burnet, Bastrop, Caldwell and Blanco Counties are encouraged to participate. To be eligible, a nonprofit must submit proof of its nonprofit status and basic financial documents as well as either be located in or serve one of these counties. Nonprofit registration is open through Feb. 20, 2014. Nonprofits of all sizes will benefit from participation in Amplify Austin by not only raising funds but also gaining exposure to new donors.
“Amplify Austin was the most exciting 24 hours Hospice Austin has ever experienced,” Grace Washington, Hospice Austin director of development said. "In a single, inspiring day, Amplify Austin helped us raise $180,000 for our mission and sparked a renewed sense of confidence, unity and dedication to our work.”
“Our involvement in Amplify Austin allowed The Missy Project to grow from a small to a medium-size nonprofit, changing the foundation of our organization,” Mary Mager, The Missy Project executive director, said. “Our success from this 24-hour day of giving not only expanded our public awareness, but it also provided the funding needed to assist more people in need.”
Sponsors are the backbone of Amplify Austin, as the proportional matching program wouldn’t be possible without them. University Federal Credit Union is once again the “Lead Singer” sponsor. Sponsorships range from $1,100 to $110,000 and provide funds for the incentive match pool as well as help to underwrite the costs of producing the Amplify Austin event.
This year’s Amplify Austin offers several new components to help both donors and nonprofits. Donors can now pre-register their gifts to count during giving day as well as create profile pages to share through social media. Nonprofits can now use their Amplify Austin page as a donation site for the remainder of the year as well as upload video and audio to their page to help tell their stories.
To learn more about Amplify Austin, view the participating nonprofits, become a sponsor, pre-register a donation or sign up as a nonprofit, visit AmplifyATX.org.
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