FAQ
How The Work is Funded
Funders often ask how a charitable gift fits alongside the Downtown Austin Alliance’s existing funding. Three entities work together, and each plays a distinct role.
Downtown Public Improvement District (DPID)
Created by Austin City Council in 1993 at the request of downtown property owners and reauthorized through 2032. Annual assessments on downtown investment properties fund the work of the Downtown Austin Alliance.
Learn More⟶Downtown Austin Alliance
The steward of the community’s collective vision for Downtown Austin. A 501(c)(4) nonprofit that manages the DPID, provides direct services that keep downtown clean, safe and welcoming, and enhances every aspect of the downtown experience through advocacy, research, planning and placemaking.
Learn More⟶Downtown Austin Foundation
The 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of the Downtown Austin Alliance. It raises tax-deductible private support for the arts and culture, parks and green spaces, and small businesses that assessment dollars alone cannot reach.
Learn More⟶A charitable gift adds to public and assessment-based funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Foundation different from the Downtown Austin Alliance?
The Downtown Austin Alliance is funded primarily through the Downtown Public Improvement District. It manages the district, provides direct services that keep downtown clean, safe and welcoming, and leads advocacy, research, planning and placemaking. The Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) public charity that raises tax-deductible private support for programs and opportunities beyond what assessment dollars can fund. The two work in close partnership, and the Downtown Austin Alliance supports the Foundation’s administrative and overhead costs, so your investment goes further, into the programs.
What does the Foundation fund?
The Foundation has three fundraising priorities: Arts & Culture, Parks & Green Spaces and Small Business & Economic Vitality. You can direct your gift to a priority or a program, or leave it open for the area of highest need.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes. The Downtown Austin Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity, and gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our EIN is 74-2862219. You will receive a written acknowledgment for your records. Please consult your tax advisor about your specific situation.
How are funds governed?
The Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors. Charitable contributions are recorded, managed, and reported in accordance with donor intent and applicable nonprofit standards. Gifts designated for specific programs or priorities are used solely for their intended purposes, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of every contribution. Our Form 990 and financial information are available on this site, and our development team can provide additional detail for grantmakers and institutional funders.
Are there recognition opportunities?
Yes. Recognition varies by gift level and program, from listings of supporters to naming and visibility opportunities connected to specific projects and events. Our development team will work with you to find the right fit.
What is the difference between a gift and a sponsorship?
A gift to the Foundation is a charitable contribution and is tax-deductible. A sponsorship typically includes marketing benefits, such as brand visibility at an event, and the deductible amount may be reduced by the value of those benefits. Some sponsorships are managed through the Downtown Austin Alliance rather than the Foundation. Tell us your goals, and we will point you to the right path.
Who do I contact?
Downtown Austin Foundation
515 Congress Ave, Suite 2150 Austin, TX 78701 512.469.1766