It’s interesting times in the nonprofit sector. More than ever, funders need nonprofits to achieve their missions to keep societal norms afloat, while nonprofits need funders to achieve that critical work. This symbiotic relationship creates a perfect opportunity to build human connection and find the ways that work for both sectors - but it must be built on trust.

PLUS FIND ADVOCACY TALKING POINTS HERE

Since last fall, we’ve been sounding the alarm bells about the painful realities currently facing local nonprofits. Folks, things have the potential to get a lot worse. Nonprofits continue to face growing threats from federal actions that could limit fundraising, cut nonprofit tax endowments, and roll back DEI initiatives—especially impacting organizations serving marginalized communities. It’s estimated that 25% of local Central Texas nonprofits may be negatively impacted by these federal actions. The truth is we need your community support more than ever to help protect these vital services. But we’re not asking for money, we’re asking for your advocacy.

Changes in grant funding are gravely impacting the future of the local nonprofit sector.

Beyond the feel-good factor of supporting worthy causes, businesses who participate in events like Amplify Austin Day, see their connections to the community strengthen, earn a boost in employee morale and engagement, and receive positive favorability for their corporate image.

The goal of Amplify Austin Day is really to encourage everyone in Central Texas to be engaged in giving back. Businesses play a HUGE role in this - not just by supporting the day financially, but also by encouraging their employees to also get engaged in giving back. We could talk all day about that impact, but why not hear directly from a few of the businesses that are doing the work alongside us.

Oh, wow - do I get overwhelmed by all that happens at the end of the calendar year… But one of the things that we do NOT have to cram into the end of the year is our giving. By thinking about giving throughout the year, we can make sure that we have a good understanding of what we can give and when, and ensure that we are giving back to the community in ways that work for us.

Post pandemic, many nonprofits do not have the additional revenue from compassionate recurring donors, nor from the extra government support. Nonprofits have been struggling - and it is getting more and more acute. Federal dollars are decreasing and there is a great deal of talk about the nonprofit financial cliff. We are already seeing the impacts…

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.