Escape Into a Cause

Talking to people who do good stuff—so you might want to, too.

A New Escape Every Third Thursday

Kick off each episode with fun and thought-provoking takes on philanthropy and community, then hear amazing nonprofits share their stories and impact. New episodes drop every third Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.

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Escape Into a Cause is powered by Nightlight, a local agency that believes giving back should be part of doing business.

At Nightlight, everything we do comes back to three core pillars:

Expertise – You deserve real answers from real experts.
Customer Service – Talk to a fellow Texan, not a robot.
Giving Back – We don’t just work in this community—we invest in it.

That’s why we cover all podcast production costs and donate $1,000 each week to a featured nonprofit guest—so that every sponsorship dollar and listener spotlight can go exactly where it’s needed.

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Live a life worth bragging about. Every story of service is worth celebrating and inspires others to act.

From prevention and emergency support to long-term healing, The SAFE Alliance is supporting survivors and their families every step of the way. Their work with survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence is helping interrupt the cycle of abuse and build safer communities.

Want to earn some ‘good bragging’ rights?

🎃 Truck-or-Treat — Join SAFE on October 24 for a family-friendly Halloween event with costumes, candy, music, inflatables, and more!

🙋 Volunteer — Help with activities for youth and families, sort donations, prepare meals, or support SAFE around the holidays.

💙 Donate — Help provide emergency shelter and 24/7 SAFEline support for survivors and their families.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify!

Thank you to our sponsor @nightlightinsagency for making this episode possible.

#EscapeIntoACause #TheSAFEAlliance #AustinNonprofits #Austin

This week we’re joined by Melinda Cantu, Co-Chief Program Officer at The SAFE Alliance, to talk about their work supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and child abuse.

From prevention and immediate support to long-term healing, SAFE provides a range of services for survivors and their children while working to create safer communities free from violence and abuse.

🎧 Episode drops today on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify!

#EscapeIntoACause #AustinNonprofits #TheSAFEAlliance #Austin

We’re getting a closer look at Kindr! 🙌

Karan Mishra and Deandre Blackwell share how they’re making volunteering more engaging with an Impact Score, a social-style feed, and a little gamification, while also making it easier to find opportunities to volunteer. They also talk about what’s next for the app and how they hope to make giving back easier for everyone.

If you’re a nonprofit interested in being part of Kindr or learning more, reach out to bekindrnow@gmail.com!

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify! 🎧

Thank you to our sponsor, @nightlightinsagency, for making this episode possible.

#Kindr #GiveBack #Volunteering #CommunityImpact #AustinNonprofits

Most people want to give back, they just don’t always know where to start!

Karan Mishra and Deandre Blackwell, founders of Kindr, are working to make volunteering easier, more accessible, and part of everyday life. In this episode, they share what inspired Kindr and how they hope to connect more people with meaningful ways to give back.

Episode drops today on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify! 🎧

Nonprofits interested in Kindr can reach out at bekindrnow@gmail.com

#Kindr #GivingBack #Volunteering #AustinCommunity #AustinNonprofits

There are 1.9 million nonprofits competing for a shrinking pool of funding. So, is consolidation the next step for the sector?

Pooling resources could mean spending less time competing and more time focused on what matters most: serving communities and creating real impact. But consolidation can also mean losing jobs, programs, and pieces of an organization that matter.

🎧 New episode coming soon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

#Philanthropy #Nonprofits #SocialImpact #EscapeIntoACause #Podcast

We loved sitting down with Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone, Founder and Creative Director of @dawaheals, to hear more about their mission of “giving to the givers” and how they’re supporting BIPOC community frontliners across Austin.

Want some “good bragging” rights? Here are a few ways to support DAWA:

✨ Volunteer your time, skills, or resources by helping hand out flyers, table at an event, set up a stage, design a graphic, sign in guests, pick up food, drive someone home, and more.

✨ Make a donation to help keep the DAWA medicine alive and support their essential programs!

🎶 And if you’re looking for a fun way to get involved, DAWA Fest is happening September 19! Come celebrate 7 years of DAWA medicine in Austin’s BIPOC community with food, drinks, live music, and more. Tickets are $17!

🎙️ Listen now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify!

Thank you to our sponsor, @nightlightinsagency, for making this episode possible.

#EscapeIntoACause #DAWAHeals #AustinTX #CommunityCare

This week we’re joined by Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone, Founder and Creative Director of DAWA, to talk about what it means to give to the givers and why supporting community frontliners is essential to building a stronger, more sustainable Austin.

From his journey as an artist and community leader to the evolution of Body Rock, Chaka shares how community support shaped his own path and inspired DAWA’s mission to honor, celebrate, and empower the people doing the work to uplift others.

🎙️ Episode drops soon on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify!

#EscapeIntoACause #DAWAHeals #AustinTexas #CommunityCare #SupportTheGivers

Two nonprofits can do the same work, but one spends 10% on overhead while the other spends 40%. Which one would you trust more?

Does a nonprofit’s overhead percentage affect whether you donate?

🎧 New episode coming soon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

#Philanthropy #Nonprofits #SocialImpact #EscapeIntoACause #Podcast

Community care has always been at the heart of ASHwell. We loved sitting down with Sandra Chavez, Interim Co-Executive Director, to hear how this Austin nonprofit has been empowering Central Texans since 1988 through sexual health and wellness services that support the whole person.

Looking for some “good bragging rights”? 👏

Follow @ashwellatx on social media to stay up to date on volunteer opportunities and community events, share their mission with others, or consider donating to help keep these vital services accessible!

🎙️ Listen to the full conversation on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify!

Thank you to @nightlightinsagency for sponsoring this episode.

#EscapeIntoACause #ASHwell #HealthEquity #AustinTX #CommunityCare

This week we’re joined by Sandra Chavez, Interim Co-Executive Director of ASHwell, to talk about how community care has been at the heart of ASHwell’s mission and why whole-person wellness means meeting people where they are.

From HIV and hep C care to gender-affirming services, prevention programs, peer support, and financial assistance, ASHwell is expanding access and empowering Central Texans in their sexual health and wellness.

🎙️ Episode drops today on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify!

#EscapeIntoACause #ASHwell #CentralTexas #HealthEquity

Government funding for nonprofits is shrinking, just as the largest wealth transfer in history begins moving trillions of dollars to the next generation.

As public dollars disappear, more pressure is falling on donors, foundations, and corporations to fill the gap. But should philanthropy be expected to replace government funding, and is that what we want in the long term?

🎧 New episode coming soon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

#Philanthropy #Nonprofits #EscapeIntoACause #Podcast #SocialImpact

So much fun chatting with Feed The City Leader, Will Mattingly! Tango Charities is a nonprofit that fights hunger by bringing communities together to pack and distribute meals for families in need. Recently, we had the chance to attend one of their Feed The City events, and it couldn’t be easier or more fun to give back!

Show up solo or with some friends and family 2nd Saturday of the month @bouldinacres on S Lamar.

🎙️ Listen to hear more on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify!

Thank you to @nightlightinsagency for sponsoring this episode.

#EscapeIntoACause #TangoCharities #FeedTheCity #AustinTexas #Volunteer EndHunger

This week we’re joined by Will Mattingly, the Austin Zilker leader for Tango Charities, to talk about how Tango is fighting hunger at the source while building stronger communities through their Feed the City events!

Tango Charities is creating spaces where people can come together to feed, educate, and empower their neighbors. If you’re in Austin, there’s likely a Feed the City event happening closer than you think! 👏

🎙️ Episode drops today on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify!

#EscapeIntoACause #TangoCharities #FeedTheCity #AustinTexas #EndHunger

Want to give back and it not feel like a chore? Well we went to Feed the City and had a blast! Find time to connect with your friends or family - or arrive solo to find community - on 3rd Saturday at Bouldin Acres on S Lamar. Find out how you can show up for Tango Charities tomorrow!

🎙️ New episode coming soon to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!

#EscapeIntoACause #AustinNonprofits #CommunityImpact #NonprofitSupport #GiveBack

From funding life-changing research to advocating for better access to care and supporting families, Breakthrough T1D is making an impact at every level. Whether it’s influencing policy or showing up for families in their most challenging moments, their mission touches both the big picture and the day-to-day reality of living with type 1 diabetes.

Want to earn some ‘good bragging’ rights?

💙 Donate — Become a monthly donor to help fund research year-round and move us closer to curing, preventing, and better treating T1D.

🙋 Volunteer — Support local events like OneParty and OneClassic, or get involved with the Austin community.

🌟 Upcoming Events:

Join Breakthrough T1D Austin OneParty on Saturday, April 18, 2026, or the OneClassic golf tournament on April 16, 2026 at Falconhead Golf Club.

Take part in the Breakthrough T1D Walk on November 8, 2026 at PopStroke (13000 Harris Ridge Blvd, Austin, TX).

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify!

Thank you to our sponsor @nightlightinsagency for making this episode possible.

#EscapeIntoACause #AustinNonprofits #Type1Diabetes #BreakthroughT1D

In today’s episode, we sit down with Jenna Medford, Chapter Director of the Greater Austin Chapter at Breakthrough T1D, to talk about how they’re changing lives for those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) through research, advocacy, and community. 💙

For over 50 years, they’ve been driving progress toward better treatments, stronger support systems, and ultimately a cure.

From working with elected officials to supporting families right here in Austin, this is impact on every level.

🎧 Episode out now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify!

#EscapeIntoACause #AustinNonprofits #Type1Diabetes #BreakthroughT1D #Austin

AI is changing everything, and we hope they can help nonprofits do more good.

Teams can spend less time on admin and more time where it matters most: serving people, building community, and creating real impact.

Steph and Court talk how AI can support the mission, but it will never replace the human connection behind it.

🎧 New episode coming soon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

#AI #EscapeIntoACause #AustinNonprofits #Podcast

A mother’s voice is one of the most powerful things in the world. 🤍

Women’s Storybook Project makes sure that voice doesn’t go silent — even when distance and circumstance make it hard to reach.

Incarcerated mothers record themselves reading books and sharing messages of love that are delivered directly to their children. Simple moments that say what matters most: I’m here. I love you. I haven’t forgotten you.

For a child, that’s everything.

We sat down with Executive Director Jill Gonzalez to hear how this beautiful program is keeping families connected — and why storytelling might just be the most human form of love there is. 🎙️

New episode out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube — link in bio.

#EscapeIntoACause #WomensStorybookProject #CommunityImpact #AustinNonprofits #Podcast Literacy

Giving with intention just got even better, and your wallet might thank you too.

Starting in 2026, most people who take the standard deduction can now deduct charitable donations for the first time in years. We're talking up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. And if you're a corporation or you itemize? There is a different set of rules worth knowing.

It's a lot, so we did the homework for you.

Tomorrow's episode breaks down everything you need to know about taxes and giving, so you can donate smarter and feel good doing it. 🎙️

Catch it tomorrow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube - link in bio.

#EscapeIntoACause #CharitableGiving #Philanthropy #Taxes #Podcast #AustinNonprofits

We sat down with Meagan Anderson Longley, Chief Impact Officer at Austin Community Foundation, to talk about what it really means to invest in Central Texas.

Often described as a charitable bank, ACF serves as a trusted philanthropic partner for individuals, families, and businesses across Central Texas, connecting donors to the causes they care about most while responding to urgent and long term community needs.

Want to earn some ‘good bragging’ rights? Here’s how you can get involved:

Become a Fundholder

Volunteer

Attend Austin in Common - Join on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM for an evening of connection, celebration, and investment in the future of Austin.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify.
 Special thanks to our sponsor @nightlightinsagency for making this episode possible!

#EscapeIntoACause #AustinCommunityFoundation #CharitableBank #ATXNonprofits #CentralTexas

You have a bank account. Why not have one for giving back?

Austin Community Foundation make it possible to “open an account” for charitable giving so you can support Central Texas intentionally and effectively.

And the best part: you can build something that keeps giving, even after you’re gone.

That’s a legacy worth building.

🎧 New episode drops today on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.

#AustinCommunityFoundation #AustinNonprofits #CentralTexas #Philanthropy #Podcast

The next 25 years are going to change the way we give. Women and younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are focusing on the issues that matter most to them and finding new ways to make an impact through activism and social change.

For nonprofits, this means thinking carefully about how to stand out. The stories you tell and the connections you make will be just as important as the work itself!

🎧 Listen to our new episode, coming soon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, where we explore “How The Great Wealth Transfer Will Reshape Giving” and sit down with Austin Community Foundation!

#Philanthropy #WomenInGiving #MillennialDonors #GenZ #EscapeIntoACause #ChangeMakers

Catch new episodes of Escape Into a Cause every third Thursday of the month. 🎙

Next up is Austin Community Foundation on February 19.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube as we talk about generosity, impact, and what it truly means to invest in Austin.

#EscapeIntoACause #AustinCommunityFoundation #Philanthropy #GivingBacktoCentralTexas #AustinPodcasts

Every child deserves to feel seen on their birthday!

Marcus Cantu from Pop Up Birthday shares how joy and hope are delivered through intentional, personalized birthday experiences for children connected to CPS Care. Each celebration starts with a need, a read, and a wish, ensuring kids from age one through 21 are recognized and celebrated no matter their stage of care.

These birthday boxes are about more than a party. They are about reminding a child that they matter.

🎙️ New episode available today on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.

#EscapeIntoACause #PopUpBirthday #FosterCareAwareness #CentralTexasNonprofits #GivingBack #BirthdayWithPurpose

A new year always invites reflection, reset, and the chance to be more intentional about how we show up for the things that matter most.

If you’ve been thinking “I want to give back, but I don’t know where to start,” here are a few simple ways to figure out how you can show up for your community:
- Pick a cause or one or two nonprofits
- Decide how you actually want to show up, whether that’s with your time, money, or voice.
- Make it social and do it with people you care about

🎧 Tune in to our new episode tomorrow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to hear more!

#NewYearIntentions #GiveBack #CommunityMatters #SmallActionsBigImpact #EscapeIntoACause

Kristin Coulter, COO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, shares how RMHC CTX wraps families in comfort and community when their child faces a critical illness or injury.

For 40 years, they have provided a true “home away from home,” with warm meals made with love, a place to rest, laundry, sibling support, and a community of families walking the same difficult road. Their mission is simple but powerful: keep families together and close to the care their child needs.

Episode is out now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify. 🎧

#EscapeIntoACause #AustinNonprofits #RonaldMcDonaldHouse #FamilySupport #CommunityHeart

Why do so many people distrust big giving?

Even though most people trust nonprofits, nearly half still don’t feel confident in how charities operate, and even fewer trust wealthy donors who step into the philanthropic spotlight.

🎧 New episode of Escape Into a Cause coming Thursday! Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

#EscapeIntoACause #BigGiving #Trust #Donors #Austin #Podcast

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Escape Into a Cause

A New Escape Every Third Thursday

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