Austin metro area nonprofits had a reason to notice Google's August 3 Sail Tower opening: the company said they could book a Google.org venue at no cost for meetings, classes, workshops and community events.
The opening announcement described the downtown office on Lady Bird Lake. The Google Community Space Austin overview sets out the nonprofit venue's eligibility and booking information.
Membership comes before booking
The community-space overview gives a capacity of up to 143 people and says registered Austin metro area 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for membership. Membership, if granted, makes an organization eligible to use the space free of charge. It does not reserve a date: an application precedes a booking request.
The particular event still determines the layout, attendance limit and equipment required. Those details need confirmation with the booking contact, along with arrival, accessibility and admission arrangements. An organization name, proposed dates, approximate attendance and event type give that inquiry a starting point.
Free use removes the room fee, while organizers still need to allow time for setup, welcoming attendees and leaving the room as required. The booking information determines what the venue supplies and what the group must bring.
Google also described the tower's locally influenced interiors and native plants on its terraces. Those design details accompany the office opening; the nonprofit offer depends on membership approval and availability for the proposed event.
