Equipping & Training Community Leaders
OneStar's dedication to equipping and training individuals to drive positive change was integrated into every facet of our work in 2023. This past year, our commitment to building knowledge and expertise within the nonprofit community came to life in numerous educational initiatives, from the transformative Texas Nonprofit Summit to the newly launched Nonprofit Career Development Certificate program.
Spreading Insights & Knowledge through the Texas Nonprofit Summit
The Texas Nonprofit Summit, held February 27 to March 1 in Austin, served as a potent catalyst for promoting growth and insight within the nonprofit sector. Aligning with the event theme of RE:engage, more than 350 attendees explored strategies for strengthening engagement and delved into vital and relevant topics facing community organizations. To accommodate diverse learning styles, the event presented information in a variety of formats, from intensive half-day master classes to exploratory hour-long workshops. On the final day of the Summit, we convened attendees for Texas Nonprofit Strong Day, a truly immersive experience that offered valuable insights about advocacy and put participants in the middle of the action at the State Capitol.
93%
of attendees found the Texas Nonprofit Summit to be a positive experience
“It is important that we are able to learn and share with others. [Texas Nonprofit Summit] definitely assisted me in seeing the big picture and how important each nonprofit is in the lives of our citizens.”
Sharing Resources at the
AmeriCorps Texas Grantee Meeting
Our annual AmeriCorps Texas Grantee Meeting in March brought together nearly 50 organizations from across the state for a day of learning, networking, and re-engagement. In a welcome return to in-person connection, grantees shared best practices, received program management updates, and explored how to inspire and support current, future, and past members, service partners, and communities. Yasmeen Shaheen-McConnell, AmeriCorps Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships, and Joey Heavner from the Department of Labor further enriched the event by sharing insights on national initiatives and supporting workforce development within AmeriCorps programs. This collaborative gathering fueled renewed enthusiasm for national service's impact and empowered grantees to take bold action as they move forward together.
“I came back with a renewed vigor and purpose.”
Developing New Leaders through the
AmeriCorps Workforce Development Collaborative
We recognize the crucial ways AmeriCorps programs can contribute to building a skilled and dedicated workforce. This past year, we dedicated significant efforts to fostering collaboration and empowering programs to strengthen their workforce development initiatives. The AmeriCorps Texas Workforce Development Collaborative, comprised of 15 of our grantees, served as a hub for knowledge exchange and innovation exploring how to better support the professional development of AmeriCorps members. Through facilitated sessions and peer feedback circles, OneStar fostered a consistent community of practice where programs could share effective strategies, navigate challenges, and solidify service-to-career pipelines for AmeriCorps members. This dynamic network of collaboration ensures AmeriCorps programs are well-equipped to prepare their members for meaningful careers and strengthen the state's workforce for years to come.
Accelerating Nonprofit Careers through University Partnerships
In February, we launched the Nonprofit Career Development Certificate, a certification designed exclusively for AmeriCorps members in partnership with Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy at The Bush School at Texas A&M University. The program empowers the next generation of nonprofit leaders by equipping them with critical skills and knowledge. From deconstructing inequities to mastering strategic management and fundraising fundamentals, the program cultivates leaders who are data-driven, adaptable, and equipped to champion social justice within their organizations. This immersive learning experience paves the way for a future where diverse, socially conscious leaders drive meaningful change and build stronger communities across Texas. We are excited to extend and evolve this opportunity in 2024.
92
AmeriCorps members & alumni awarded scholarships and completed the program
“Although working at my AmeriCorps site gave me a strong foundation in how nonprofits function, this course allowed me to dive into nonprofit management from a much more high-level and interdisciplinary perspective…equipping me to approach challenges the way nonprofit leaders and board members might.”
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Through these diverse initiatives, OneStar served as a beacon of empowerment, equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to make a lasting difference in their communities. By fostering collaboration, nurturing talent, and championing professional development, OneStar paves the way for a future where passionate individuals equipped with the necessary tools can work together to address pressing challenges and build a brighter tomorrow.
OneStar Takes the Stage
Texas Emergency Management Academy
Philanthropy and Fiscal Agents in Disaster
Hosted by Texas Division of Emergency Management
February 2023
Elevate
CEO Forum
Reimagining the Future of Disaster Recovery Summit
Leveraging a Whole Community Approach to Emergency Management
Hosted by United Way of Greater Houston
April 2023
We were invited to share our unique perspective and expertise at presentations and panels across the country in 2023. Our team was honored to offer insight, education, and training at the following events in the past year.
National Service Training
AFP Houston Education Session
Community-Centric Fundraising
Hosted by Association of Fundraising Professionals - Greater Houston Chapter
May 2023
Texas Association of Healthcare Volunteers Conference
AFP One Day Conference
Responding to Statewide Disasters: Lessons Learned and the Future Ahead
Hosted by Association of Fundraising Professionals - Greater Austin Chapter
September 2023
East Texas Center for Nonprofits' Members Summit
How to Access AmeriCorps Resources
Hosted by United Way of Smith County and The University of Texas at Tyler
October 2023
Upswell
Listening Session: Emerging Strategies to Support Coalition Advocacy
Hosted by Independent Sector
November 2023
AmeriCorps State & National Symposium
Building Networks to Create Bigger Impact
OneStar's commitment to fostering connection shines brightly in the diverse array of partnership and networking opportunities that we curated throughout the year. We brought together leaders from across the nonprofit, public, and academic sectors, weaving a vibrant tapestry of collaboration that paves the way for innovative solutions and empowers participants to tackle community challenges with collective wisdom and strength.
Setting a Bold Vision with Diverse Perspectives
In January, our Texas Nonprofit Council convened 30 stakeholders of various backgrounds to embark on a visionary journey together. Guided by Dr. Miha Vindis' scenario planning workshop, participants from the nonprofit, university, and public sectors delved into the challenges and opportunities facing Texas communities, crafting collaborative solutions for potential seismic shifts in the nonprofit landscape. This cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives led to a deeper understanding of shared challenges and fostered a spirit of innovation that will benefit communities across the state. By uniting bright minds from diverse backgrounds we were able to envision a brighter future for the sector.
Fostering Connections at the Texas Nonprofit Summit
With the Texas Nonprofit Summit hosted for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic in February, we carefully crafted an event to facilitate meaningful in-person connection. With a theme of RE:connect, the conference extended beyond individual empowerment to fostering a sense of shared purpose within the broader nonprofit community. Attendees were inspired through keynote addresses delving into how to move forward in their relationships this year: by re-thinking your personal ecosystem, changing community power dynamics via re-empowerment, and learning the joy of re-connecting through creative experiences and movement. We wrapped up the event with a reception featuring carnival-style games for attendees to network, have fun, and be in community with their colleagues.
“I am not alone! The engagement was amazing, and I made several connections that will be impactful for our agency and community.”
85%
of attendees felt more connected to others because of the Texas Nonprofit Summit
Merging Networks for Collective Learning
One of OneStar’s core strategies for accelerating impact is convening cross-sector networks to provide more efficient and relevant support for Texas nonprofits. In fall of 2023, we further evolved this approach by hosting joint network meetings that brought together members from the Nonprofit Management Alliance of Texas, Academic Affinity Group, and Texas Association of Volunteer Centers. By consolidating these networks through virtual convenings, we were able to deepen understanding of the role each sector plays in supporting Texas communities, align on needs and priorities, and serendipitously discover areas for collaboration and resource sharing.
Supporting Convening for Rural Nonprofits
OneStar's dedication to empowering rural communities also saw vibrant partnerships deepen. By sponsoring the Southeast Texas Nonprofit Conference and South Central Texas Rural Philanthropy Day in fall 2023, we ensured that rural leaders had access to premier networking opportunities. These conferences provided attendees with practical knowledge, best practices, and crucial connections, fostering collaboration and capacity-building within rural communities. The events served as a platform for rural nonprofits to showcase their work, connect with funders, and garner valuable support. The scholarships offered by OneStar ensured that even more rural voices were heard and empowered to make a lasting impact.
“We had over 200 enthusiastic nonprofit leaders, engaging presenters, and countless opportunities for area organizations to learn, collaborate, and network with others to help strengthen our community. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to connect Southeast Texas nonprofits to success!”
Kayla White
Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center
These are just a few examples of OneStar's impactful networking initiatives. Through its dedication to convening diverse stakeholders, we foster a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration, where knowledge is shared, solutions are co-created, and communities are strengthened from within. By weaving a tapestry of connections, we empower leaders to build a future where collective action paves the way for a stronger and more unified Texas.
Championing Advocacy for a Stronger Nonprofit Sector
OneStar's commitment to a vibrant and impactful nonprofit sector in Texas extends far beyond supporting individual organizations. We believe in the power of collective advocacy and empower nonprofits to raise their voices and champion policies that strengthen the entire ecosystem. This past year, OneStar's advocacy efforts took center stage on multiple fronts, paving the way for a more connected and well-resourced future for nonprofits across the state.
Taking Action at the State Capitol
As the climax of last year’s Texas Nonprofit Summit, we hosted the inaugural Texas Nonprofit Strong Day, which engaged over 100 nonprofit leaders taking action at the Texas State Capitol in March. Equipped with knowledge and passion, attendees gained practical experience in advocacy, toured the halls of power, and directly delivered information on the sector's impact to legislative members. This bold demonstration of unity sent a clear message: Texas' nonprofit sector is an influential force that needs to be nurtured and supported.
85%
of attendees found Texas Nonprofit Strong Day to be beneficial to their work
Fueling the Fight for AmeriCorps
When potential cuts to the AmeriCorps program loomed amidst tense federal budget negotiations in fall 2023, we sprang into action. We launched an inaugural AmeriCorps Alumni Update e-newsletter, distributed to over 22,000 individuals who have served in Texas, containing information on the dire funding situation and links to advocacy tools at Voices for National Service. In October, we also hosted a webinar for alumni interested in learning more, equipping grassroots advocates with resources to make their voices heard. These calls to action established a foundation for a powerful network of potential advocates and champions of national service.
Supporting Advocacy with Sector Data
Knowledge is power, and our new edition of the Built for Texas report, released in October through the Texas Nonprofit Strong initiative, serves as a valuable resource on the road to a stronger nonprofit sector. This in-depth analysis shines a light on both the sector's growth and its resource limitations, urging collaboration and innovation in the face of evolving challenges. By providing accessible data and tools, OneStar empowers nonprofits to advocate for themselves and secure the resources they need to thrive. Alongside the launch of the report, we produced an online toolkit containing resources for turnkey sharing of key messages and hosted a live webinar led by Nicole Collier from the Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at Texas A&M University to dive deeper into the data.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Growing Recognition from City Leaders
We are dedicated to ensuring our elected officials and decision-makers acknowledge and celebrate the impact of AmeriCorps in Texas communities. During AmeriCorps Week in March, we encouraged statewide efforts to shine a spotlight on the dedication and achievements of AmeriCorps members across the state. In addition to robust online storytelling and media coverage, the week featured resounding affirmations from local government officials: San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg issued a heartfelt proclamation recognizing the valuable contributions of AmeriCorps members to the city's well-being, and more than 55 AmeriCorps members and eight Council Members or staff representatives commemorated the occasion at Houston City Hall to celebrate a proclamation spearheaded by City Council Members Mike Knox and David Robinson. This public recognition serves as a powerful platform for amplifying the impact and solidifying support for AmeriCorps across the state.
These efforts are a testament to OneStar's unwavering commitment to advocacy. By amplifying nonprofit voices, fostering collaboration, and equipping leaders with data and tools, the organization works tirelessly to champion a brighter future for Texas' nonprofit sector.
Attracting National Recognition for AmeriCorps in Texas
Our unwavering dedication to strengthening communities through AmeriCorps programs resonated powerfully on a national level this past year. Texas' innovative approaches and collaborative spirit garnered widespread attention, placing Texas under the national spotlight for its exemplary contributions to the AmeriCorps landscape.
Regional Collaboration, Nationally Recognized
The exceptional work of our grantees at AmeriCorps Central Texas in fostering regional collaboration grabbed the attention of the national leadership. In May, a roundtable discussion with AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith showcased the program's success in bringing together 10 Austin-based nonprofits to tackle crucial issues like recruitment, workforce development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion on the regional level. In October, Service Year Alliance invited leaders from California, Indiana, Kentucky, and Washington to observe AmeriCorps Central Texas in action and explore the model’s successes and challenges. Their innovative approach served as an inspiration for other states, solidifying Texas' position as a leader in collaborative AmeriCorps impact. By participating in knowledge exchange and peer learning, OneStar ensures that best practices from local AmeriCorps programs can pave the way for stronger national service programs nationwide.
Recognizing Innovation in Grantmaking
The year culminated in a moment of national recognition as OneStar received the Innovation in Grantmaking award from America's Service Commissions in November. Effective distribution of funding can be a key catalyst in sparking innovation and accelerating impact, and we take pride in our unique approach to channeling resources where they can be most accessible and bring meaningful value to Texas communities. Over the past few years, we made strategic changes to our grantmaking practices, growing our portfolio of AmeriCorps programs while also assisting existing programs explore novel programmatic concepts and expand to new regions of the state. This prestigious recognition celebrated our dedication to establishing funding practices that maximize impact.
Notable Grantmaking Accomplishments
Investing in Service to Transform Communities
In May, AmeriCorps shone a spotlight on the investment in North Texas with a check presentation for $16.7 million in federal grants to nonprofits serving the Dallas area. This funding recognized the vital role AmeriCorps plays in leveraging service to address pressing social challenges, promote public health, and build a brighter future for Texas communities. AmeriCorps Director of Public Engagement Tannikka Richardson and Deputy Director of Public Health AmeriCorps Cleo Hirsch from the federal agency also engaged programs in a roundtable discussion to gain local insights and share goals and vision for AmeriCorps from a national perspective.
These national accolades stand as a powerful testament to OneStar's unwavering commitment to empowering communities through AmeriCorps. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and impactful resource allocation, the organization has placed Texas at the forefront of the national service landscape, proving that collaborative excellence can truly pave the way for a brighter future for all.
Evolving Support of Disaster Resilience
OneStar's commitment to resilient communities transcends mere response. This past year, we have been working to redefine disaster philanthropy in Texas, evolving our support through insightful learning, collaborative ventures, and innovative program development. These efforts have not only strengthened Texas communities, but also garnered statewide attention for their forward-thinking approach.
Scaling the Houston Disaster Summit Statewide
We understand that disaster preparedness and response demand cross-sector collaboration. To strengthen these connections, we spearheaded the scaling of the annual Houston Disaster Summit in April into a statewide convening, fostering resilience through shared strategies and expertise. This virtual event, hosted by United Way of Greater Houston, brought together over 200 nonprofit, faith-based, and community leaders from across Texas. It offered a powerful platform for learning, planning, and networking, featuring nationally recognized keynote speakers from Deloitte and the U.S. Small Business Administration. By convening diverse stakeholders on a statewide scale, we empowered communities to build collective resilience and navigate the complexities of disaster response as a united front.
Sharing Wisdom on Shaping the Future of Disaster Philanthropy
In September, we brought our expertise in disaster philanthropy to the AFP One Day Conference in September. With a presentation titled Responding to Statewide Disasters: Lessons Learned and the Future Ahead, we shared valuable insights gleaned from past Texas disasters. The sessions explored the complexities of disaster fundraising and gave a sneak peek into our groundbreaking disaster philanthropy program, designed to provide responsive and equitable support across the state. This knowledge exchange served as a catalyst for a more community-centered approach to disaster relief statewide.
Evolving Rebuild Texas Fund
Last year, we exercised our commitment to continuous improvement by evolving the Rebuild Texas Fund in preparation for future disasters. Leveraging lessons from past incidents, the program structure was re-imagined to proactively support communities in times of crisis. This dynamic approach will pave the way for more effective and equitable disaster philanthropy, ensuring no community is left behind in the face of adversity. Stay tuned for the unveiling and launch the new Rebuild Texas Fund in 2024!
These highlights provide a glimpse into OneStar's transformative journey in disaster resilience. Through impactful collaborations, insightful knowledge sharing, and innovative program development, the organization has positioned Texas at the forefront of disaster philanthropy. By inspiring a more community-centered, equitable, and proactive approach to response and recovery, OneStar is ensuring a brighter future for all Texans, even in the face of adversity.
In 2023, we celebrated 30 years since AmeriCorps was established and the impact it has made in Texas. Following in the footsteps of thousands of dedicated individuals, this year’s AmeriCorps members fueled academic progress, tackled food insecurity, bolstered public health, and much more, continuing a vibrant legacy of strengthening local communities. As we recognize and learn from these achievements, we look forward to building upon this foundation and securing a brighter future for the next 30 years of AmeriCorps and beyond.
2023-2024 AmeriCorps Texas Grantees
$33.5
million
distributed in federal grant funding
40
organizations funded
to operate AmeriCorps programs
3,526
AmeriCorps members
served in Texas communities
724
service sites
hosted AmeriCorps members
211,064
indivduals served
by AmeriCorps members in Texas
In 2023, the OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project embraced a year of evolution and transformation. We seized the opportunity to sharpen our focus, building deeper partnerships with local nonprofits and welcoming new partners to the program. This strategic shift emphasized our commitment to expanding the capacity and impact of nonprofits, and we look forward to growing AmeriCorps VISTA's vital role in fighting poverty in Texas communities.
2023 OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Host Sites
10
organizations built their capacity through VISTA service.
14
AmeriCorps VISTA members serving Texas communities
49
community volunteers recruited and/or managed
$42.4K
leveraged in financial or in-kind resources
Major Partners
Audited 2023 financial statements will be released in summer 2024.
Texas Nonprofit Council Officers
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Amy Ledbetter Parham (Buda)
Kile Bateman (Wichita Falls)
Katherine “Kathy” Keane (San Angelo)
Sereniah Breland (Pflugerville)
Deborah Healey Drago (Beaumont)
Fedora Galasso (Austin)
Jenifer Jarriel (Houston)
Virginia “Ginny” Lewis Ford (Austin)
Kelty Garbee (Austin)
Phillipa Williams (Dallas)
Carol Zernial (San Antonio)
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Texas Department of Agriculture
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Texas Department of Information Resources
Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Department of State Health Services
State & Regional Partners
Center for Civic Engagement, The University of Texas at El Paso
Graduate Certificate Programs, Department of Public Health, College of Health, Community & Policy, The University of Texas at San Antonio
Department of Public Administration, College of Health & Public Service, University of North Texas
The Bush School of Government & Public Service, Texas A&M University
Public Affairs Program, Department of Public Affairs & Planning, College of Architecture, Planning & Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Arlington
RGK Center for Philanthropy & Community Service, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin
The Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership, Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, Rice University
The Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, Baylor University
The SURE™ Program, C.T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston
David M. Underwood Chapter of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston
Marilyn Davies College of Business, University of Houston-Downtown
Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Houston-Downtown
East Texas Center for Nonprofits
Executive Service Corps of Houston
Nonprofit Austin at Austin Community College
Nonprofit Management Center of the Permian Basin
Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center
The Nonprofit Resource Center at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Millicent Boykin
Chris Bugbee
Tony Burney
Tatiana Cleveland
Abby Fleiss
Glenn Goodrich
Vanessa Gutierrez
Pat Guzmán-Weema
Chris Johnson
Jessica Jones
Jaclyn Kolar
Dinorah Lopez
Cindy Milton
Veronica Mozzo-Wirr
Angela Pinckard-Hale
Jennifer Rajkumar
Kaylee Romero
Betty Jo Schafer
Kailee Selzer
Shelby Smith
Tina Smith
Madison Teague
Chloe Tomlinson
Mary Voorhies
Michelle Vryn
Alyson Whitefield
Joshua Winata
Taylor Wolter
OnEstar foundation board officers
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Robert "Bob" G. Wright, II (Dallas)
Michael Parker (Weatherford)
Benjamin A. Montañez (San Antonio)
Onestar national service commission Officers
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Ronnie Hagerty (Houston)
Annette Gracy Juba (Austin)
Corey Tabor (Manor)
Michelle Brewer (Silsbee)
Jennifer L. Chidsey (Austin)
Marcos Delgado (El Paso)
Verlene Dickson (Amarillo)
Ashleigh Feuerbacher (Stephenville)
George Green (New Braunfels)
Elexis Grimes (Cedar Park)
Kathy Kabell (Wichita Falls)
Mary Grace Landrum (Houston)
Dan Leal (Bastrop)
Lillian Lucero (Austin)
Marlene S. McMichael (Georgetown)
Moisés Molina (Brownsville)
Sara Ramirez (Austin)
Adrianna Cuéllar Rojas (Austin)
Corina Sadler (Plano)
Girien Salazar (Dallas)
Gene Seaman (Corpus Christi)
James Senegal (Spring)
Kate Williamson (Midland)
Chuck Wright (Frisco)
Thank you to these dedicated individuals who contributed to our success in 2023 as part of the OneStar team. For a list of current staff and board members, please visit onestarfoundation.org/board-staff.