Project Princess is a student-run 501(c)(3) founded in 2001 by the Texas Lonestars, a University of Texas at Austin spirit organization. It collects gently used prom dresses and accessories year-round and gives them free to Austin-area high schoolers at a spring Boutique Day, where each teen shops with a personal volunteer shopper. The all-volunteer, student-led model keeps the program close to the community it serves. Donations are accepted throughout the year ahead of the spring event. Visit projectprincesstx.org for donation drop-off locations and the Boutique Day date.
Mar-Apr is when Project Princess runs its giveaway, meaning the window when students shop for a dress, not necessarily a donation deadline. Formalwear programs commonly accept donations year round even though they distribute in a narrow spring window, and the most useful time to donate is right after prom, when dresses are current and in good condition. Confirm intake timing with the program before you drive over.
No. Project Princess collects drop-off or collection event and serves Austin, TX. If you are outside that area, look for a program closer to you, or use one of the 7 programs in this directory that accept mail-in donations from anywhere.
Project Princess is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations to registered charities are generally tax deductible if you itemize, and the organization can issue a receipt. Ask them directly for their EIN and a written acknowledgement if you plan to claim the donation on your taxes.
This listing is marked Verified Org and was last reviewed on June 29, 2026. That means we confirmed the organization exists and operates, using public records and its own published material, but we have not re-confirmed this season with them directly. Programs change hours, addresses, and intake windows without notice, so check their own site before you travel or ship.