November / December 2023 | News to help you engage, connect & accelerate your impact

Applications are now open for the Nonprofit Career Development Certificate, offered exclusively to AmeriCorps members and alumni through the Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at the Bush School at Texas A&M University. This 10-week program builds on the AmeriCorps service experience with coursework led by the sector’s leading experts and valuable networking opportunities. Full scholarships are available for qualifying applicants. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 5, 2024.

Please share this transformational opportunity with the AmeriCorps members and alumni in your networks! Click the icons to share or tag a friend on social media.

Every year, Texas state agencies reflect on projects and initiatives highlighting how government and nonprofits work together to address challenges facing Texas communities. Check out the latest Texas Interagency Coordinating Group Legislative Report to explore ideas and best practices for promoting collaboration and collective impact.

We are honored to be recognized for Innovation in Grantmaking in the 2023 Commission Innovation Awards, presented by America's Service Commissions last month in Washington, DC. Effective distribution of funding can be a key catalyst in sparking innovation and accelerating impact. At OneStar, we take pride in our creative approach to channeling resources where they can be most accessible and bring meaningful value to Texas communities. Thank you to America's Service Commissions for supporting and celebrating our critical work in strengthening local communities nationwide, and congratulations to all of this year’s awardees!

We are committed to promoting collaboration within our rural communities and were proud to sponsor scholarships to premier local nonprofit convenings last month. On November 7, the Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center celebrated its 15th anniversary at the Southeast Texas Nonprofit Conference, which covered a variety of educational and informational topics for nonprofit professionals. At the South Central Texas Rural Philanthropy Day on November 11, hosted by Fayette Community Foundation, we enjoyed meeting with local leaders and exploring creative ideas and best practices for supporting Texas communities. 

Join us in welcoming Alyson Whitefield as our new VISTA Leader for the OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project! Alyson will recruit, coordinate, train, and support our amazing AmeriCorps VISTA members serving with nonprofits across Texas. Alyson has served two previous terms as an AmeriCorps VISTA, working with nonprofits in the Dallas area to develop and enhance the capacity of workforce development programs.

We were proud to share OneStar's expertise and insight with the sector this fall by participating in leading conferences and convenings!

In Case You Missed It: Events & Opportunities from the Sector

Wed, Jan 10
Virtual
Kick off the new year with this interactive session led by Suzanne Smith, CEO of Social Impact Architects! Suzanne will highlight some of the Nonprofit Megatrends, particularly trends in the economy, in technology and in terms of the predicted impact of the generational wealth handoff. She will help you answer the question: Is your organization ready for the seismic shifts ahead?

Presented by The Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center

Thu, Jan 11
Beaumont 
This session will provide an overview of grant writing basics and a tutorial on accessing the FDO Grant Portal.

Presented by Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center 

Mon, Jan 15
Join us in honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and make a positive impact on your community by participating in the National Day of Service. By rolling up our sleeves and serving alongside coworkers, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike, we can build a Beloved Community that is stronger, more resilient, and more connected.

Presented by AmeriCorps and 9/11 Day of Service

Thu, Jan 18
Virtual
Over the past year, ongoing economic volatility, inflation-driven increases in operating costs, and intense competition for talent have challenged the functional and financial well-being of social sector organizations. As leaders plan for the future, it is imperative to reflect on the threats they face due to economic uncertainty and consider strategic pivots to remain resilient. During this session, Hilda Polanco, Market Managing Principal of BDO Nonprofit & Grantmaker Advisory, and other special guests will unpack the unique challenges that the social sector is facing amidst economic uncertainty and rising inflation, and introduce relevant strategies that leaders can leverage to help their organizations not just survive, but thrive in today’s landscape.

Presented by Institute for Nonprofit Practice

Thu, Jan 25
Beaumont
Leah Jacobs will present a workshop focused on defining Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for nonprofits.

Presented by Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center 

Mon, Feb 26-Tue, Feb 27
College Station
Nonprofit, academic, and community leaders across Texas are invited to Build Relationships, Innovate, Discover, and Get Engaged. The conference showcases existing relationships between nonprofit organizations and university scholars collaborating on applied projects in their communities. The conference aims to facilitate cross-sector connections with universities to drive social change. We aim to build relationships that advance community-based solutions and explore data resources that inform decision-making, continuing to raise the reputation of the nonprofit sector. BRIDGE is a solutions-oriented conference that will empower leaders to drive innovative change across Texas by building skills, networking, and sharing ideas.

Presented by Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at Texas A&M University

Wed, Mar 13
Virtual
Now more than ever, social sector leaders are struggling with extreme burnout and a mental health crisis – in need of connection, inspiration, and support. What are the largest contributing factors to burnout in the social sector? How can leaders mitigate employee burnout and nurture well-being in the workplace? What are promising and innovative practices to attract and retain staff at a time when it’s needed most? Join Patrick Kirby, Chief Strategy and Administration Officer at the Institute for Nonprofit Practice, to learn about the latest burnout and well-being trends among nonprofit leaders, and how these insights can be incorporated to strengthen organizational practices and programming using a number of research-backed tools for increasing well-being in the workplace.

Presented by Institute for Nonprofit Practice

Wed, Apr 3-Fri, Apr 5
Austin & Virtual
This conference provides an opportunity for preservationists and officials to network and learn with County Historical Commissions, Main Street managers and participants, historic preservation officers and design review boards, architects and engineers, historians, archeologists, curators, interpreters, managers of museums and historic sites, as well as THC staff, Texas Heritage Trail Regions, and many partner organizations. We’ll have over 60 sessions, workshops, and tours; five keynote presentations; more than 100 expert speakers, and new activities such as short “lightning sessions.”

Presented by Friends of the Texas Historical Commission

Tue, Jun 11-Fri, Jun 14
Houston
The Points of Light Conference brings together social impact leaders from across the sector. With more than 70 educational workshops, inspirational leadership discussions, and opportunities to connect with peers, this conference offers something for every champion of social good. Save the date! Registration opens on March 1. 

Presented by Point of Light