Austin, Texas, is renowned for its vibrant culture, thriving music scene, and strong sense of community. This spirit of togetherness is reflected in the many nonprofits that work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of Austin residents.
From addressing homelessness to promoting arts, education, and environmental conservation, these organizations are the backbone of Austin’s community.
Here, we highlight Austin nonprofits that are driving positive change, providing an overview of their work and diving into their history, mission, and impact.
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Austin nonprofits
Central Texas Food Bank
The Central Texas Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in the region, providing nutritious food to individuals and families in need across 21 counties.
- History: Established in 1982, the organization began as the Capital Area Food Bank and has grown into a cornerstone for hunger relief in Central Texas.
- Mission: To nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger.
- Impact: Annually, the food bank distributes over 64 million pounds of food, including fresh produce, to more than 50,000 individuals each week.
Austin Pets Alive!
Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is a trailblazer in no-kill animal sheltering, rescuing pets from euthanasia and finding them loving homes.
- History: Founded in 2008, APA! helped make Austin the largest no-kill city in the nation through its innovative programs.
- Mission: To promote and provide the resources, education, and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals.
- Impact: APA! has saved over 100,000 animals, significantly reducing euthanasia rates in the region and inspiring similar efforts nationwide.
Foundation Communities
Foundation Communities provides affordable housing and supportive services to help families and individuals achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
- History: Established in 1990, the organization has developed over 3,000 affordable housing units across Austin and North Texas.
- Mission: To create housing where individuals and families succeed.
- Impact: By offering financial coaching, health programs, and after-school tutoring, Foundation Communities supports over 7,000 residents annually.
Girlstart
Girlstart inspires young girls to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers through hands-on education and mentorship.
- History: Founded in 1997, Girlstart began as a grassroots initiative to address gender disparities in STEM fields.
- Mission: To increase girls’ interest and engagement in STEM through innovative, nationally recognized programs.
- Impact: Serving thousands of girls each year, Girlstart’s programs have been recognized for helping close the gender gap in STEM industries.
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM)
HAAM provides affordable health care to Austin’s working musicians, ensuring they can focus on their art without sacrificing their health.
- History: Since its inception in 2005, HAAM has connected thousands of musicians with health care resources and services.
- Mission: To improve access to affordable health care for Austin’s low-income, uninsured musicians.
- Impact: HAAM has served over 6,000 musicians, providing dental, medical, and mental health services to sustain Austin’s rich music culture.
SAFE Alliance
SAFE Alliance supports survivors of abuse and violence, offering housing, counseling, and advocacy to promote healing and empowerment.
- History: Formed in 2017 through a merger of SafePlace and the Austin Children’s Shelter, SAFE continues their combined legacies of service.
- Mission: To stop abuse for everyone by providing support and education.
- Impact: Each year, SAFE serves over 6,000 survivors, offering emergency shelter, crisis services, and prevention programs.
Austin Habitat for Humanity
Austin Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes and empowers families to achieve sustainable homeownership.
- History: Since 1985, Austin Habitat has partnered with local families to construct hundreds of homes.
- Mission: To bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
- Impact: The organization has helped over 500 families secure safe and affordable housing while fostering community development.
Keep Austin Beautiful
Keep Austin Beautiful mobilizes volunteers to maintain the city’s natural beauty and promote environmental stewardship.
- History: Established in 1985, the nonprofit began as a grassroots movement to address litter and urban beautification.
- Mission: To inspire and educate all Austinites to create more vibrant and beautiful communities.
- Impact: Annually, over 20,000 volunteers participate in clean-up and educational programs, enhancing Austin’s parks and neighborhoods.
Caritas of Austin
Caritas of Austin works to end homelessness in Austin by providing housing, food, and employment services.
- History: Founded in 1964, Caritas has been a leading advocate for homelessness solutions in Central Texas for decades.
- Mission: To prevent and end homelessness for people in Greater Austin.
- Impact: Caritas supports over 20,000 individuals annually, helping them transition into stable housing and employment.
Literacy Coalition of Central Texas
The Literacy Coalition provides resources and programs to improve literacy and empower individuals through education.
- History: Established in 2001, the coalition has partnered with local organizations to tackle literacy challenges in the community.
- Mission: To break the cycle of poverty by improving literacy levels in Central Texas.
- Impact: Each year, the coalition helps thousands of adults and children achieve literacy goals, fostering greater opportunities.
Out Youth
Out Youth offers support and services to LGBTQ+ youth and their families, fostering acceptance and well-being.
- History: Since 1990, Out Youth has created a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to connect and thrive.
- Mission: To promote the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.
- Impact: The organization has provided support to over 10,000 youth through counseling, community-building events, and education.
Texas Book Festival
The Texas Book Festival celebrates literature while raising funds to support literacy initiatives in Austin and beyond.
- History: Founded in 1995, the festival began as a way to honor Texas authors and has since grown into a nationally recognized event.
- Mission: To connect authors and readers while promoting literacy.
- Impact: The festival donates thousands of books to schools and libraries annually, enriching the community.
Meals on Wheels Central Texas
Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals and provides companionship to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities.
- History: Since 1972, Meals on Wheels Central Texas has been a lifeline for vulnerable residents.
- Mission: To nourish and enrich the lives of older adults and those in need through programs that promote dignity and independence.
- Impact: Annually, the organization serves over 1 million meals and provides additional support services to thousands.
The Trail Conservancy
The Trail Conservancy manages and enhances the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, ensuring it remains a beloved public resource.
- History: Founded in 2003, the organization began as the Trail Foundation and has since expanded its conservation efforts.
- Mission: To protect, enhance, and connect the Butler Trail for all users.
- Impact: Through maintenance and improvement projects, the conservancy supports over 4 million annual trail visits and fosters a sense of community.
