Nonprofits seek ideas for donations

AUSTIN (KXAN) -

Leadership Austin has a new effort under way to help bring awareness to issues in the community through a monthly breakfast it calls the “Engage Breakfast."

"The breakfasts are a way for anyone to come and get a quick and deep immersion into community issues," said Heather McKissic, chief operating officer of Leadership Austin.

Tuesday morning at the Long Center hundreds of leaders in the nonprofit community gathered to hear ideas on how to reach out to the public for help.

It’s a challenge since there are nearly 6,000 nonprofits in Central Texas.

"That's a lot of competition for private and public dollars," said Ronda Rutledge, executive director of the Sustainable Food Center.

One idea is to get the community involved in the organization before asking for a donation.

The Sustainable Food Center does that through its farmers markets.

"That's a great way for us to have a visible presence within the community and show people what we are doing within the food system here in Austin," said Rutledge.

For those who can't afford to give money, volunteering or donating expertise can go a long way. It's something nonprofits have seen fostered through the Occupy movement.

"Certainly the Occupy movement has helped people recognize that people are hurting right now, so the more people are learning they are finding ways to get involved," said Williams.

And make a difference in their community not just during the holidays but year-round.

Every month Leadership Austin hosts a different breakfast to engage the public in a different topic that is affecting the community.  

Next month deals with the drought in Central Texas.

Watch KXAN News at 5 Tuesday for the full story.