Austin Gives, a philanthropic program of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, recently reached the milestone of 300 participating companies.

Businesses in Austin Gives donate 1 percent or more of their pre-tax earnings to the local community. This includes giving back through cash donations, volunteering and donation of products and services that strengthen the nonprofit sector.

“With a growing number of companies giving back, and an exceptional group of local volunteers on our council, we are well positioned to reach our goal of having 500 participating Austin Gives businesses by 2017,” said Beth Krueger, Executive Director of Austin Gives.

Austin Gives was created after an Intercity Visit to Minneapolis-St. Paul in 2010. Every year the Chamber visits another great city to learn about ways to apply successful civic practice to the Central Texas region. Following the best practices trip, then Chamber Chairman Bobby Jenkins made it his goal to develop a business recognition program. After surveying local businesses and nonprofits for input, Austin Gives was launched in 2011.

This program's continued growth called for a new website with a new .gives address. This unique URL helps the program stand out. Visit the new Austin.Gives site here.

Read more about Austin Gives on Rightside, KLBJ, and the Chamber press release here.