March / April 2025 | News to help you engage, connect & accelerate your impact

Happy AmeriCorps Week! AmeriCorps engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in meaningful service opportunities to address critical needs in communities nationwide. The impact of AmeriCorps in Texas is immense, spanning a range of critical issue areas and community needs. AmeriCorps members are actively serving to advance education, health, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, disaster resilience, and more. This AmeriCorps Week from March 9-15, we’re celebrating the accomplishments of the 3,094 AmeriCorps members who served in Texas through OneStar last year: 

Want to learn more about the full impact of AmeriCorps in Texas? Check out the newly released National Service Report for a deep dive on the broad reach of national service in our state!

What a powerful gathering of community leaders at the 2025 Texas Nonprofit Summit, February 24-26! We were honored to host so many passionate individuals as we explored Navigating New Horizons Together. Your energy and dedication are what make the Texas nonprofit sector strong. Let's keep this connection alive! You can continue to access valuable resources and network with fellow attendees on the Texas Nonprofit Summit mobile app. Keep up the collaboration, building partnerships and championing our sector's vital role in Texas. 

A huge thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Amplify Credit Union, and our Supporting Sponsors, Moss Adams, Urgensee, and UT Austin's RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service at the LBJ School of Public Affairs!

At Texas Nonprofit Strong Day at the State Capitol, held on February 26, it was truly empowering to witness nonprofits learn how to effectively raise their voices and connect with elected officials. We were honored to witness the Texas Legislature passing a resolution recognizing Texas Nonprofit Strong and United Way Day at the State Capitol. During our visits to legislative offices, we saw firsthand how sharing compelling data paired with personal stories—those crucial insights from the frontlines of addressing Texans' needs—can plant valuable seeds for meaningful change. We are grateful for nonprofits that have the courage to speak up for their communities, inspiring us all to strive for a brighter future for Texas. 

Thank you to our partners at United Ways of Texas for co-hosting this vital event and amplifying critical advocacy efforts. We also extend our gratitude to the Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy for providing updated data insights highlighting regional needs. Be sure to visit the Texas Nonprofit Strong website for sector data, policy priorities, advocacy resources, and to sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter!

Now more than ever, it is critical for our elected officials to understand the vital impact of AmeriCorps in strengthening local communities. Last month, OneStar President & CEO Chris Bugbee joined States for Service Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C., to champion national service and educate federal elected officials on the power of AmeriCorps and service commissions to get things done. We are grateful to Senator John Cornyn, Representative Craig Goldman, and Representative Greg Casar for taking the time to engage with us on critical issues facing Texans!

Thank you to America's Service Commissions for coordinating the effort to amplify the collective voice of national service and creating space for leaders from across the nation to convene and collaborate!

We were delighted to recognize the outstanding achievements of this year's AmeriCorps Texas Award recipients during last week's AmeriCorps Texas Grantee Meeting in Austin.

These programs are true stars in the national service constellation, illuminating our communities with their dedication and impact. They are deeply committed to improving the lives of Texans, fostering a supportive environment for AmeriCorps members, cultivating future leaders, embracing collaboration and collective impact, and responsibly stewarding their resources. Their work is a testament to the power of service to create positive change within our communities.

Stellar First Year
Texas Southmost College

Member Experience Shining Star
ChildFund

Member Development Guiding Star
American YouthWorks

Collaborative Partnership Constellation
Project Transformation North Texas

Stewardship Superstar
Serve Houston

For decades, OneStar has been committed to strengthening Texas communities through service, volunteerism, and community engagement. As we commemorated these milestones, we reflect on the lessons learned, build on the strengths and relationships that have shaped our journey, and celebrate how far we’ve come. Our 2024 Annual Report — Counting the Years of Making It Count — is more than a look back: it’s a roadmap for the future. As we move forward, we remain focused on expanding opportunities for community engagement, fostering collaboration, and creating lasting impact across Texas. Thank you to our partners, champions, and community leaders for being part of this legacy!

Molly Costigan has joined the OneStar team as our newest Program Officer. In this role, she will be supporting the development and implementation of our AmeriCorps Texas portfolio and providing programmatic and fiscal support to grantees.

Chantier Johnson will be serving with OneStar as a Communications VISTA. In this role, she will enhance communication infrastructure to better connect with our stakeholders and increase community engagement.

UT Law's Nonprofit Organizations Institute
Jan 23, Austin

OneStar Statewide Network Meeting
Feb 24, Austin

AmeriCorps Texas Grantee Meeting
Feb 24, Austin

Texas Nonprofit Summit
Feb 24-26, Austin

States for Service Capitol Hill Day
Feb 25, Washington, DC

ASC Leadership Convening
Feb 27, Washington, DC

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

Mon, Mar 17
Virtual 
Join this informational webinar that explains the current legal landscape and highlights how philanthropic leaders are acting with urgency in supporting nonprofits during this difficult period. We’ll end with actionable steps nonprofits – and all who support the charitable sector – can take. Sign up here to receive the recording only. 

Presented by National Council of Nonprofits

Tue, Mar 25
Austin 
This forum for Texas small businesses and nonprofits will help them prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters and other unpredictable events. The program will highlight findings from focus groups across the state and share tools and resources for understanding and managing commercial property insurance policies. There will also be a demonstration of BeforeDuringAfter, a free online resiliency hub for small businesses and nonprofits in Texas.

Presented by Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, BeforeDuringAfter, TEXSAR, and Texas Mutual

April 
Global Volunteer Month is a time to honor and celebrate volunteers worldwide while encouraging volunteerism everywhere. Volunteers, you are the heartbeat of strengthening communities, and throughout the month, we recognize your vital role. We also urge everyone to join us in taking action, as every act of service contributes to a more connected world. During April, lend your time, talent and passion to making a real difference in your own backyard and cause a ripple effect around the world.

Presented by Points of Light

Wed, Apr 9
Virtual
Join us for an engaging presentation and interactive training designed to empower nonprofit and board members to understand and navigate advocacy at the city, county, and state levels. Led by experts in community engagement and government relations to help you work out what is and isn't considered 'lobbying' for positive change in our public policy discussion.

Presented by Texas Department of State Health Services Grant Development Center

Tue, May 6
Austin
Board Summit connects individuals interested in nonprofit board service with Central Texas nonprofits looking to recruit for positions and build diverse, inclusive boards. Over 50 nonprofits, with a wide range of missions, will have tables at the Board Summit. Aspiring board members are encouraged to visit these tables to learn more about the organizations and openings they aim to fill. Join us for a day of connection and inspiring discussions designed to create lasting partnerships that strengthen our vibrant community.

Presented by Mission Capital

Wed, May 7
El Paso
Designed for nonprofit executive leadership, staff, and board members, this conference is your opportunity to learn from top industry experts, connect with fellow changemakers, and gain valuable skills to strengthen your organization. This year, we invite you and your team to THINK of new possibilities, DEVELOP strategies, NETWORK with your peers, and GROW your impact. Featuring inspiring keynote speakers, thought-provoking presentations, and panels, this is the professional development event you won’t want to miss!

Presented by Paso del Norte Community Foundation

Wed, May 21-Thu, May 22
Dallas
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and engage in meaningful discussions with statewide and regional demography experts about the future of Texas. The Texas Demographic Conference is THE place for research and policy analysts, planners, academics, students, geographers, consultants, community leaders and anyone interested in learning about the dynamic demographic changes happening in our state and local communities.

Presented by Texas Demographic Center

Thu, Jun 5-Fri, Jun 6
Dallas
The DFW Philanthropy in Action Conference is a leading regional professional development conference for fundraising professionals. The conference attracts over 500 attendees and provides two days of training from local and national presenters, all of which qualify for CFRE credits. With more than 40 exhibitors and sponsors, the conference offers an excellent opportunity to learn from peers and network with other fundraisers from North Texas and surrounding areas.

Presented by Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Dallas & Fort Worth Metro Chapters