July / August 2023 | News to help you engage, connect & accelerate your impact

From hurricanes and winter storms to heat waves and wildfires, Texas has faced numerous disaster events in recent months. Resilience in the face of these harrowing scenarios requires advance preparation to ensure communities are able to respond effectively even in crisis situations. In recognition of National Preparedness Month this September, we are sharing our insights to help Texas nonprofits think through essential questions to prepare for the next disaster.

For 40 years, we have highlighted inspiring examples of how volunteering can transform lives and communities through the Governor’s Volunteer Awards. You invite you to join this extraordinary legacy by nominating individuals and organizations across Texas who are giving back with their time and talents. Submit your nominations by Friday 9/22.

This month, AmeriCorps programs are kicking off another year of making a difference in Texas communities through service! If you are seeking to grow the reach and impact of your nonprofit or agency, we invite you to apply for AmeriCorps funding and tap into the power of national service. Sign up for our e-mails to be notified when the application for new AmeriCorps grants opens this September!

This summer, Texas Nonprofit Strong presented a policy recap webinar examining wins and challenges of the 88th Texas Legislative Session. The presentation, hosted by United Ways of Texas and OneStar, offered an in-depth yet approachable look into key legislative issues affecting Texas nonprofits and the communities they service. Check out the webinar recording to learn how decisions made by our state legislators may affect your work in the months ahead! 

We want to extend sincere thanks to our colleagues and stakeholders who completed surveys this month as part of OneStar's strategic planning journey. We appreciate your honest feedback and are delving deep into the responses to ensure our next steps as an organization provide meaningful support and value to your work strengthening Texas communities!

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

Mon, Sep 11
Ready to transform your community and our nation in a big way? Tap into the power of service this 9/11 Day and empower fellow neighbors, friends, and families to meet their most pressing needs. Organize your 9/11 Day event like a pro with AmeriCorps resources designed to help local organizations and partners to succeed. Visit AmeriCorps.gov/911Day for project ideas, planning tips, volunteer recruitment tools, marketing materials, and tons more. 

Presented by AmeriCorps & 911Day.org

Wed, Sept 20 - Thu, Sep 21
South Central Texas
The Big Give is South Central Texas’ day of online giving fueled by the power of generous donors, creative nonprofits, social media, collaboration, and you! The goal of the Big Give is to support local nonprofits that are committed to making South Central Texas a great place to live, work, and play. Since 2014, Big Give has helped organizations raise over $40 million from over 283,000 individual donors. Big Give is your chance to raise unrestricted funds for your agency.

Presented by The Nonprofit Council

Fri, Sep 22 | 12:30-1:30 PM CT
Virtual
Did you know that former donors are much more likely to give than complete strangers? So, how do you (re)engage them in your nonprofit's mission and work? In this webinar, we've lined up two nonprofit pros who will share their expertise on bringing your former donors back. Use exclusive promo code NONPROFITSTRONG for FREE registration!

Presented by Philanthroforce and Texas Nonprofit Strong

Fri, Sep 22
Virtual
This symposium explores key questions and issues related to public policy affecting nonprofits and philanthropy and considers what additional research is needed to create better policies to sustain more vital institutions, meet social needs, and support civil society in the years to come. Through the symposium convenings and the additional conversations it creates, we seek to build bridges, deepen personal connections among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, and inform relevant, evidence-based nonprofit policy.

Presented by Independent Sector, ARNOVA, and Nonprofit Policy Forum

Fri, Sep 29 | 8:30 AM - 5 PM CT
Arlington
This informative day of research and practical learning opportunities will help guide North Texas nonprofit and philanthropic leaders in creating, implementing, and evaluating innovative and collaborative strategies for the future. The day features the release of a comprehensive state of nonprofits and philanthropy report for North Texas, highlights trends in foundation grantmaking, and includes three sessions of breakouts featuring topics such as accounting, marketing, fundraising, board governance, and more!

Presented by North Texas Nonprofit Institute

Wed, Oct 25 - Fri, Oct 27
New Orleans, LA
Join a community of scholars, researchers, practitioners, students, and community partners at the 2023 IARSLCE Conference at Tulane University. The theme this year is: Redefining Research, Access, & Inclusion in SLCE. We hope to create an expansive and inclusive convening that encourages emerging, mid-career, and advanced professionals to learn and grow together.

Presented by International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement