About Us: Our Story

Keep Austin Neighborly began with a simple question:
How can we best help the helpers?

Our journey started on the ground, working alongside passionate grassroots projects and seeing their incredible impact firsthand. We quickly learned their biggest obstacle wasn’t a lack of passion, or hard work. Instead it was the administrative hurdles that kept them from growing into sustainable projects.

So, we built the infrastructure to solve that problem. Our primary role today is to provide the essential foundation—from fiscal sponsorship to strategic support—that allows our partners to not just survive but thrive.

But that foundational support is only the beginning. Our vision is to build a new, radically transparent model for community action. By weaving together creative storytelling, professional expertise, and collaborative partnerships,we are building an ecosystem where every dollar is tracked, every story is amplified, and every helper has the support they need to succeed.

We invite you to join us in this work, whether you're a project seeking support, a business ready to partner, or a skilled professional ready to put your talent to work for your community.

Meet the Team

Our team is made up entirely of volunteers. It is important to us that every dollar goes to our work and our partners efforts.

  • Derek Burton - Founder

    Derek Burton is a social entrepreneur and community organizer who brings over a decade of experience in building strategic partnerships to the non-profit sector. He founded Keep Austin Neighborly after feeling a strong call to apply his skills in creating valuable networks to the community right outside his front door. He saw a critical gap between the incredible grassroots initiatives happening in Austin and the resources they needed to thrive and was inspired to build a bridge between them.

    Driven by the belief that the best ideas for a community come from within it, Derek created Keep Austin Neighborly to provide the supportive structure and visibility for some of the city's most impactful projects. His work is focused on empowering local leaders and fostering a culture of mutual aid through a centralized platform where the good happening all around Austin is not only visible but easy to support.

  • Patty Fox - Board Member & Bookkeeping

    Patty Fox is a dedicated community advocate with a long history of volunteering to support her neighbors. Her passion for service is demonstrated through her extensive work with a diverse range of organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Brown Santa, Leander Police Department's Victim Services, and the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center.

    Driven by the belief that everyone deserves hope and security, Patty is committed to being part of the solution for Austin's most pressing challenges. She believes that providing basic necessities like food and housing is fundamental and that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life. Patty's hands-on experience and compassionate approach make her an invaluable part of the Keep Austin Neighborly team.

  • Nick Raymond - Board Member

    With over a decade of experience, currently contributing to government relations at Texas HHS Office of Inspector General, focusing on public policy and policy analysis to support organizational goals. Previously worked with NJR Consulting and Equifax, enabling impactful governmental affairs strategies. Core competencies include navigating complex policy landscapes and fostering collaborative relationships to advance organizational objectives. Dedicated to driving informed decision-making and enhancing public service through alignment with mission-driven initiatives.

  • Quinn Jones - Board Member

    Quentarius Jones brings a data-driven and community-focused approach to his work. As a Senior Research Analyst for the City of Austin, he specializes in using research and statistical analysis to develop strategies that address local issues.

    Quentarius's analytical expertise is built upon years of direct service experience, including roles as a Case Manager at Caritas of Austin and Family Eldercare and managing the city's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) at Front Steps. This powerful background allows him to connect data with the human stories behind it. A graduate of Abilene Christian University, Quentarius is passionate about using his skills to foster a more equitable and neighborly Austin.

Want to do more?

Become a part of the Keep Austin Neighborly team. We're looking for skilled volunteers to help us grow. See our open roles and find out how you can lend your professional talent to our mission.

Join Our Team