Austin boasts a rich, vibrant community, home to people from all walks of life. If you’re moving to Austin and committed to giving back, there are numerous nonprofit organizations you can support, dedicated to uplifting that community and making a real difference. This article spotlights some of the most impactful nonprofits in Austin, TX and outlines ways you can get involved.
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TreeFolks
TreeFolks is an environmentally conscious nonprofit organization that partners with the city of Austin to plant trees across central Texas. Trees offset carbon, create cleaner air, and provide shade to make the city more welcoming and beautiful! Community members, local businesses, and organizations are all eligible to adopt trees at TreeFolks’ adoption events, entirely for free, so long as they are committed to helping them grow!
How to Support TreeFolks
If you’re unable to adopt a tree, you can still volunteer with TreeFolks to assist with outreach, tree distribution, or planting. TreeFolks provides all necessary training and implements, so all you’ll need is a can-do attitude and some spare time. Otherwise, you can provide monetary support with one-time or recurring donations.
Minis and Friends
One of the best and most unique nonprofits in Austin, Texas—or anywhere—is Minis and Friends, a group of horse-lovers committed to sharing their love for miniature horses. Minis and Friends hosts free events for all ages with trained miniature horses to lift the spirits of the local community, with special activities tailored to children with disabilities and seniors.
How to Support Minis and Friends
Minis and Friends is always accepting volunteers, but remember, caring for minis is a big commitment, both time- and labor-wise, that requires targeted training. The horses may be small, but they’re strong, and you’ll need to be in decent shape to handle them. You can also donate to Minis and Friends or sponsor them, if you run a local business.
Carol’s Kindness Food Pantry
Carol’s Pantry partners with local grocers, restaurants, and other food pantries. They take in food that would have otherwise been thrown away, reducing waste and fighting hunger in the community.
How to Support Carol’s Kindness
Carol’s Pantry accepts both food donations and monetary donations, as well as volunteers for food pick-up and delivery, pantry set-up, and other tasks. You can check out the available time slots for volunteer work they need on their website.
“Every week and sometimes several times a week, they get into their cars with crates and tubs and drive to the donor stores and warehouses to pack up the food and drive it to Carol’s. Rain or shine, hot or cold they go. Some days it is only a little bit, some days a car or truck full. Carol has often made a promise of being able to pick up a surprise donation in a very short time and these people stop what they are doing and go. Some of our volunteers help Carol and Dianne re-portion large packages of food each week to be able to share with more clients. Two more pitch in every week to help clean out and sanitize the fridges and freezers.
These are the unsung heros you never see making everything possible.”
Diane Koehler, Pantry Coordinator & Financial Officer
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Ben’s Friends
Ben’s Friends is a nonprofit based in Austin dedicated to creating and fostering a community of support for patients with rare diseases worldwide. It offers safe, supportive avenues of connection not only for patients suffering with rare diseases, but for their family, friends, and caregivers. Note that Ben’s Friends is for peer support and community, not expert medical advice.
How to Support Ben’s Friends
Ben’s Friends highlights a few different ways you can help if you’re passionate about their cause—namely, you can refer friends or relatives in need of peer support to their webpage directly, spread the word on social media and your personal websites, or contact them to take on a more specific role for fundraising or PR. They also accept donations!
The Orangutan Project
Another one-of-a-kind nonprofit organization you might not expect to find in Austin is The Orangutan Project! The Orangutan Project has a mission to protect the habitats of orangutans from destruction and keep the species secure and viable.
How to Support The Orangutan Project
For as little as $12 each month, you can “adopt” an injured or orphaned orangutan and receive monthly updates about its rehabilitation until their eventual return to its home habitat. Alternatively, you can select acres of ancient rainforest lands from a map to sponsor, ensuring they remain safeguarded by local Wildlife Units, protecting critically endangered orangutans from poachers and natural disasters.
What Else Can I Do to Help?
This is far from a comprehensive list. There are many more amazing and impactful nonprofit organizations you can support in Austin, Texas. Remember, it’s not just money—your time and skills can make a significant impact too. If you’re able, consider volunteering at one of these organizations or any other that speaks to something you’re passionate about. Lend a hand with day-to-day tasks or offer professional services you’re equipped to provide, such as web design or event hosting. Even small gestures, like spreading the word about a local nonprofit fundraiser or event on social media or by word of mouth, can make all the difference. These efforts can help strengthen the fabric of the community and drive meaningful change in Austin and beyond.
Conclusion
Whether your heart lies with environmental conservation, animal care, food justice, or community wellness, there are nonprofits in Austin, TX doing meaningful, hands-on work—and they need people like you. By supporting these organizations, you can connect with the city and people around you in a lasting, meaningful way. No matter your skill set, there’s a place for you in Austin’s nonprofit scene! If you’re looking for a new place to call home and get started with serious, mission-driven work, consider moving to Austin. Giving back to your community is one of the most rewarding ways to feel at home.
FAQs
Absolutely! If you haven’t made your big move but want to get a head start in supporting the nonprofit scene in Austin, most of these organizations offer ways to donate remotely.
Most nonprofits offer all relevant training to volunteers for free or at a low cost. Some organizations require specialized skillsets that you can only learn on-site.
Start by scoping out the official website of the nonprofit you want to work with. Follow their social media, stay alert, and check out platforms like GivePulse and VolunteerMarch to connect yourself with organizations in your area, based on interest and availability.
J. Dailey has an English degree with a focus in technical writing. When not busy blogging, find J. Dailey hiking, playing tabletop games, or spending time with cats.
