September / October 2023 | News to help you engage, connect & accelerate your impact

How can Texas nonprofits continue to support local communities in an era of rapid change? The newly released 2023 edition of the Built For Texas report suggests strategic partnership and collaboration may be the path forward during a time of massive growth and limited resources.

As part of our Texas Nonprofit Strong initiative, we partnered with the Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy at Texas A&M University and United Ways of Texas to provide you with fresh insights and resources that you can use to advocate for your work. To dive deeper into the data, sign up for our webinar on Thursday 11/9 at 9:30 AM CT!

Are AmeriCorps resources a fit for your organization? Need help navigating the intensive AmeriCorps application process? Join our live Q&A webinar on Monday 10/23 at 12 PM CT to connect with our team and dive deep into your questions about AmeriCorps funding. You are also invited to access our pre-recorded training materials in the Notice of Funding Opportunity!

As uncertainty continues around the FY24 Federal Budget, we connected with AmeriCorps Alumni in Texas and invited them to learn about the impact of the federal budget process on national service programs. Last week, we hosted an informational call to provide updates on the budget process, highlighting the devastating effect a budget reduction could have on communities that count on critical services provided by AmeriCorps members. We are committed to keeping our networks informed about how government actions impact our work in Texas communities and inspiring you to take action.

We are grateful to everyone who submitted nominations for the 40th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards! We are inspired by the many extraordinary stories of how volunteer service is transforming local communities. Nominations are now closed, and our community review committee is currently evaluating the submissions. We expect to announce this year’s award recipients in January 2024.

What can we learn from past disasters to develop a more innovative and community-centered philanthropic response? We shared our insights and experiences supporting disasters statewide at the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central Texas Chapter conference in Austin last month. The presentation highlighted the complexity of fundraising efforts for historic Texas disasters and discussed how we are leveraging lessons learned to develop a disaster philanthropy program that can responsively and equitably support communities across Texas. Stay tuned in the coming months as we roll out the next evolution of the Rebuild Texas Fund!

This month, AmeriCorps Central Texas hosted a visit for Service Year Alliance Impact Communities around the country to showcase how local AmeriCorps programs collaborate on member engagement, recruitment, workforce development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. During the visit, we were invited to highlight ways OneStar has partnered with local programs to increase living allowance amounts for returning AmeriCorps members, support the Life After AmeriCorps conference, and apply jointly for funding. The visit culminated with an AmeriCorps Swearing-In Ceremony, where new members from across the region kicked off their service. The event featured remarks by Jaclyn Kolar, OneStar Director of National Service.

Join us in welcoming Adrianna Cuéllar Rojas, who was appointed to the OneStar Foundation Board last month! Adrianna brings a wealth of public sector experience and insight as CEO of TexProtects and previously United Ways of Texas. She has held various roles advancing philanthropic efforts that facilitated investments in nonprofits, advanced strategic initiatives, and cultivated cross-sector partnerships. Before working in philanthropy, she was involved in government relations through multiple state agencies and commissions.

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

Sep 2023-Sep 2024
For 30 years, AmeriCorps has answered when America calls. More than 1.25 million AmeriCorps members and hundreds of thousands of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers have taken the pledge since 1993 and served in communities to help others live healthier, safer, smarter, and more resilient lives in times of tragedy and triumph. Join us as we celebrate a milestone moment of 30 years of AmeriCorps and offer thanks to the members and volunteers whose compassion for others is the foundation of this country’s service movement.

Presented by AmeriCorps

Mon, Oct 23-Fri, Nov 3
Shape your community and advance your priorities by participating in elections. Ensure your voice is counted while enjoying more flexibility at the polls during early voting. Election Day is Tuesday 11/7.

Thu, Oct 19-Thu, Nov 2
Applications are now open for the 2024 Echoing Green Fellowship! Echoing Green is looking for early-stage social entrepreneurs who reflect the communities they serve and bring deep knowledge of the issues their communities are facing. Applications due by Thursday 11/2.

Presented by Echoing Green

Sun, Nov 5
International Volunteer Managers Day was developed to bring recognition to individual volunteer managers and their roles in the mobilization and support of the world’s volunteers. Commemorate this global event in Texas by thanking and celebrating the volunteer managers in your organization!

Thu, Nov 9 | 9:30-10:30 AM CT
Virtual
Learn the latest data from the 2023 edition of the Built For Texas report on the continued growth of the state’s nonprofit sector and the importance of collaboration. Find out what you can do to help the communities you care about during an era of rapid change. Featuring Nicole Collier, Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at Texas A&M University.

Presented by Texas Nonprofit Strong

Mon, Nov 13-Fri, Nov 17
Virtual
VisionWeek is a five-day workshop that includes a series of short live sessions to help volunteer-driven organizations create a focused plan for strategic volunteer engagement in less time than going it alone. The goal for participants is to complete a final strategic volunteer engagement plan by the end of the week.

Presented by VolunteerPro

Sat, Nov 18
Family Volunteer Day is a global day of service that celebrates the power of families who work together to support their communities and neighborhoods. Visit VolunteerTX.org to find family-friendly ways that you can give back with Texas nonprofits!

Presented by Points of Light

Tue, Dec 12-Wed, Dec 13
Austin
Texas is the country’s leading changemaker when it comes to higher education. To capture the energy of the moment, join the Texas Higher Education Leadership Conference for two days of captivating conversations with industry, philanthropic and higher education leaders.

Presented by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board