'I Live Here, I Give Here' event sets $4 million fundraising goal

Photo by Amplify Austin

After collecting a single-day area record of $2.79 million in charitable donations in 2013, Amplify Austin has set a more ambitious goal this year.

Amplify Austin will seek to raise $4 million for area nonprofit groups during a 24-hour event starting March 20. More than 400 organizations have signed up for the program so far—100 more than during last year's inaugural event. Registration remains open until Feb. 20.

From 6 p.m. March 20 until 6 p.m. March 21, organizations will collect as many donations as possible. The amount of money raised will then be matched by Amplify Austin, a program started by I Live Here, I Give Here. The Austin-based group, formed in 2007, seeks creative ways to raise money for Austin's nonprofit community.

"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," said Tom Spencer, executive director of I Live Here, I Give Here, in a statement. "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."

Sponsorship money will then be used to award four $5,000 grand prizes for the nonprofits that raise the most money before midnight, the most in 24 hours, the most donors overall and the most volunteer fundraisers. There will also be 48 hourly prizes of $1,000 each. Sponsorships range from $1,100 to $110,000.

Nonprofit organizations interested in participating, volunteers interested in participating in the event and donors interested in committing money to organizations can visit amplifyatx.org for more information.