Eligibility and FAQ
Google offers local nonprofits free access to an event space in the heart of Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s located on the ground floor of 601 West 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701. Please note that entry to the space is on the west side of the building (facing Shoal Creek), not directly on the street.
You can book the space between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. When requesting your time slot, be sure to account for all the time you’ll need for setup, breakdown, and check-in with our team.
Apply for membership here. Eligible nonprofits will be approved and receive additional instructions on how to reserve the space. You only need to apply for membership once. We recommend applying for membership and reserving the space at least three weeks in advance of your event.
To protect the space and its visitors. A COI ensures that everyone is covered for the duration of your event.
Upon arrival, the space will be set in a classroom style with seating for 36. It has a maximum capacity of 143 guests for standing-room-only setups. If a different layout would better suit your program, please note that your organization must provide the volunteers and time needed to adjust the space and reset it at the end of your event. If additional tables or chairs are needed, you are welcome to coordinate with an outside vendor. Please note there is no kitchen access.
- (86) Black conference room chairs
- (18) Conference room tables
- Projector with HDMI compatibility
- Wireless internet
- Podium
- Microphone
In-person tours are scheduled on a case-by-case basis depending on availability. Virtual tours are also available. Contact austincommunityspace@google.com with your request.
Membership and event requirements
Organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing, located in the Austin metro area, and actively furthering the mission of Google.org. Applications are reviewed individually, and approval is not guaranteed.
After you apply, your nonprofit status is verified via Google.org partner platform, Benevity. If you are already onboarded with Benevity, processing will be faster. If not, you’ll be instructed on how to complete the setup with Benevity. Approved organizations will be notified and provided with additional information to reserve the space.
Members can request event spaces and participate in Google-hosted programming when available. There is no fee for membership.
Minimum required coverages include Commercial General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Employers’ Liability. Additional liquor liability is required if alcohol will be served or sold. The certificate holder and additional insureds must be listed exactly as specified in the Terms of Use. Policies must carry an A-VIII or higher A.M. Best rating.
Planning your event
There is limited on-site parking for venue guests. However, nearby street parking and private parking garages are available, and the venue is easily accessible via Capital Metro bus routes and ride share. Bicycles must be stored outside the building.
Additional guidelines and full terms and conditions will be provided during the membership application process.
Available equipment includes: 86 black conference room chairs, 18 conference room tables, a whiteboard with markers, a projector with HDMI compatibility, wireless internet, a podium, and a microphone.
No. You are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages. If you hire an external caterer, they must submit an approved Certificate of Insurance (COI) prior to the event.
No. Safety regulations strictly prohibit grills, hot plates, and wick-fuel equipment. Open flames—including sternos, votive candles, enclosed candles, sparklers, and pyrotechnic devices—are not permitted anywhere in the building.
Alcoholic beverages may be served within the booked space only by an approved, licensed caterer. The caterer must hold an off-premise liquor license, carry liquor liability insurance, and provide a valid Certificate of Insurance (COI). A dedicated security officer is required for any event where alcohol is served (additional fees apply). Red wine is strictly prohibited.
Reservations
All bookings operate on a first-come, first-served basis and can be reserved up to 45 days in advance. Any requests submitted more than 45 days in advance will be placed on a tentative hold.
Once your membership is approved, your organization’s primary contact will receive access to the reservation form.
There is no cost to join or book the space, provided your membership and insurance are approved. Your organization is responsible for catering and vendor rental costs. Additional fees may apply if alcohol is served or if the space is not restored to its original setup.
For safety and security, all visitors must be registered on a guest list and accompanied by the Event Host. This list must be submitted to the on-site team one week prior to the event.
Yes—all setup and cleanup must occur within your reserved hours. Please return all furniture to its original layout and remove all personal belongings before departing.
No. On-site storage is not available, and items cannot be dropped off outside your reserved hours.
No. Google does not permit ticket sales, fundraising, or solicitation activities of any kind within the venue.
Your insurance provider/contractor must issue a Certificate of Insurance meeting the following minimum requirements for Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc. and Block 185 LLC (601 West 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701):
- Commercial General Liability ($2,000,000 General Aggregate, $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate, and $1,000,000 Each Occurrence)
- General Aggregate Limit Per Occurrence
- Automobile Insurance ($1,000,000 Combined Single Limit)
- Workers' Compensation – Should meet all state requirements
- Employers' Liability Per Statute ($1,000,000 Each Accident, $1,000,000 Disease Policy Limit, $1,000,000 Disease Each Employee)
- Umbrella Liability ($5,000,000 Each Occurrence)
The following will need to be listed as additional insured on the COI: Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc., Google, LLC, Cousins Block 185 LLC, CPI Services LLC, CPLP, Cousins Properties, Inc, and their respective affiliates, officers, directors and employees are additional insureds on the General Liability, Umbrella Liability, and Automobile Liability insurance policies.
The company providing insurance should have an A.M. Best rating of not less than A-VIII.
Programs
Details about relevant Google-led programming will be shared on the Google.org nonprofit venue site when applicable.