While refugee resettlement in America has historically received bipartisan support, in the past few years organizations such as Refugee Services of Texas have faced many uphill battles, ranging from dwindling refugee numbers to executive orders threatening the future of resettlement in the state.
Diversifying revenue streams has become key for the nonprofit, especially after diminishing federal dollars.
Joining Amplify Austin, the online fundraising campaign produced by I Live Here I Give Here, offers the organization a chance to both raise much-needed funds and educate the community about the refugee population, said Ashley Faye, development director for Refugee Services of Texas.
Amplify Austin aims to raise $12 million in 24 hours for more than 750 nonprofits, including Refugee Services, this year. The eighth annual event, which runs from 6 p.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Friday, marks the most ambitious fundraising goal to date.
In 2019, Amplify Austin exceeded its $11 million goal. More than 30,000 donors contributed to 746 nonprofits representing causes ranging from health care to education.
For Central Texas, that resulted in the planting of more than 22,000 trees along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail, 1,103 weeks of after-school homework tutoring for students and 13,325 days of medication for hospice patients, among other community benefits, according to the campaign.
“What would it mean not to have these incredible assets that make a healthy and robust Central Texas?” said Courtney Manuel, executive director of I Live Here I Give Here.
This year, Manuel hopes the matching dollars provided by various groups, including the St. David’s Foundation, will help encourage more individual donations. The foundation will match funds up to $1.3 million for 90 of its nonprofit grant partners from the Sustainable Food Center to Any Baby Can.
Donors already can make donations to their favorite nonprofits throughout Central Texas. Any gifts made early will be added to the organization’s totals once the campaign begins.
For Refugee Services of Texas, the online fundraiser also means a chance to connect with the Austin community in person. The nonprofit, which also works with asylees and victims of human trafficking, aims to raise $30,000 during the Amplify campaign. On Tuesday evening, it hosted a clothing swap with proceeds benefiting the organization and counting toward its Amplify goal.
On Thursday, it also plans to host a film screening of the documentary “Unsettled,” which tells the stories of LGBT refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution and are resettling in America. A panel discussion will follow the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar screening. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event, which costs $50 and includes a food voucher, will also feature a silent auction and raffle.
“We want to provide accurate information about refugees and not just present their struggles but highlight what they are bringing to Austin,” Faye said. “Not only do they contribute to the economy but add to the fabric of who we are.”
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