A new effort to boost individual charitable giving kicked off Tuesday at City Hall.

The I Live Here, I Give Here campaign aims to show Central Texans that it's not just the multi-million dollar corporate donations that matter to local charities. Individuals can make a difference.

Austin ranks 48th out of the 50 largest U.S. cities in per capita giving, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

"I have a hard time when Austin is Number Two on a 'Best Of' list. Number 48 is a real challenge," said Austin Mayor Will Wynn at the event.

“I started talking to friends, local foundations, and nonprofit leaders and we decided we had to do something,” explains Patsy Woods Martin, director of the I Live Here, I Give Here campaign.

When local research found that many people said they would give more if they understood their community's needs, the campaign was born.

It is not trying to pull in dollars for any specific organization.

"Our goal is simple: Find your passion and give," adds Martin.

She is joined in her efforts by individual philanthropists, nonprofit organizations, family foundations, local businesses and religious leaders. Public Strategies, Inc. is donating its time and expertise to help launch the long term public awareness campaign.

At the heart of the effort is a peer-to-peer grassroots outreach program. Campaign volunteer "Voices" will take their message to their businesses, places of worship, neighborhood associations and other informational gatherings.

Each of the 60 "Voices" on board so far has committed to presenting the campaign video at least four times in the next six months. The campaign video features several Austinites talking about the impact of individual giving on our neighbors and our cultural vitality.

“There is no doubt Austinites care,” said Shannon Ratliff, a long-time resident and nonprofit board member. “I just think people don’t always realize what an impact an individual gift can have.”

All accredited Central Texas nonprofit organizations are invited to register on www.ILiveHereIGiveHere.org. The web site helps match donors with causes that share their interest in specific issues.