Austin is ranked 48th out of the 50 largest US cities in per capita giving.
66% of Austinites feel uninformed about the issues.
89% say they would give to a specific need in the community.

Why We’re Here

I Live Here, I Give Here’s mission is to deepen and expand the culture of personal philanthropy by inspiring Central Texans to invest more money in our community. We educate and connect individuals and non-profits so more Central Texans experience the personal benefit of increased philanthropy.

Did you know Austin is ranked 48th out of the 50 largest cities in the nation in per capita charitable giving?

Austin is a vibrant city with a personality all its own. The people are passionate, driven, and generous volunteers of their time and talent. But that’s not enough. The biggest problem facing Austin Nonprofits is there is not enough money.

For a city so involved in protecting its natural habitats and native small businesses, the nonprofit needs of Austin should be equally met. But the severe shortage of funds for Nonprofits hurts the community every day.

This is where I Live Here, I Give Here steps in. Our main purpose is to connect people like YOU with the issues you care about and the Nonprofits that support them.

I Live Here, I Give Here is proud of the work we have accomplished since our launch in 2007. We connect the people of Austin with the causes they care about.

We partner with nonprofit groups so they can be more accessible to you. We spotlight specific needs in Austin every month to let you know how you can help.

Please check out our Programs and get to know our Board Members and Staff!



How Are We Doing?

Are you human? Prove it. How much is 2 + 5

The Big Give

I Live Here, I Give Here

The BIG Give

Celebrate with us at The BIG Give

The BIG Give

Let's celebrate the 5th birthday of I Live Here, I Give Here® with the 2012 BIG Give! 

Join us at the Driskill Hotel on September 23, 2012 for a night of fun & philanthropy, as we honor those who give well in Central Texas. We'll be giving away the $10,000 Whole Foods Market BIG Prize, as well as the $5,000 Merecedes Benz of Austin Little Prize.

Be dazzled by the music of Mike & the Moonpies , as well as a stellar Silent Auction! 

Read what Michael Barnes had to say about last year's BIG Give party in Out and About!  

Thank you for your thoughtful nominations of an outstanding individual for the 2012 BIG Giver! Stay tuned for our announcement of the chosen BIG Giver! Nonprofit nominations for the BIG Prize & Little Prize coming soon...  

A BIG welcome to our 2012 BIG Give Committee!

The BIG Give

  • Jordan Jeffus (Co-Chair)
  • Lauren Lockhart (Co-Chair)
  • Amy Byrd
  • Kellie Ferro
  • Taylor Ellison
  • Emily Songy
  • Mary Wommack Barton
  • Lacey Miller
  • Annie Mooney
  • Meredith Sanger
  • Kelli Morrison
  • Taylor Terkel
  • Laura Davis Scace
  • Charisse Sayers
  • Ferrell Fields
  • Katie Hoglund
  • Lacy Lyons
  • Renee Saylors
  • Annie Mahoney

A BIG thanks to our 2011 BIG Giver, Ronda Gray! Who will it be in 2012?

The BIG Giver

Ronda Gray is a graduate of The  University of Texas at Austin. After college, her love of children directed her to teaching for 9 years. Seeing a need for kids to stay active and healthy over the summer months, she founded a field trip based summer program for kids called Camp on the Move. In addition, the camp also served as a vehicle for her to form the Camp on the Move Children's Foundation through Austin Community Foundation which donates to local charities for children. Philanthropy is paramount in her life.

She sits on the board of the Austin Children's Shelter and is a member of the Dell Children's Women's Trust. She also chaired The March of Dimes Signature Chefs event, and is a volunteer with the Children's Hospital's Circle of Friends Program. Ronda has helped raise millions for children in need. She was honored to be invited to compete at the 2008 celebrity event called Dancing with the Austin Stars. She was even more excited when she found out she won and the event raised over $600,000 for the Center for Child Protection. She and her husband Kelly have 5 children and reside in Austin, TX. 

Don't forget to nominate someone special for the 2012 BIG Giver! Nominations close on March 15th!

Our BIG Give Sponsors


  • Jenny Cochran
  • Wells Fargo Bank
  • Vinson & Elkins LLP
  • Patty Huffines
  • Janet Harman & Kent Mays
  • Deborah & John Burns
  • Mercedes Benz of Austin
  • Bill Dickson
  • Marc & Suzanne Winkleman
  • Jackie & Robert Mata

Our Sponsors

International Paper Fulbright & Jaworski
Hill+Knowlton

98 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 1200, Austin, Texas 78701
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