May / June 2023 | News to help you engage, connect & accelerate your impact

Join OneStar on Thursday, June 29, at 3 PM CT for a Texas Nonprofit Strong policy recap exploring the impact of the 88th Texas Legislative Session on the statewide nonprofit sector. Presented in partnership with United Ways of Texas, the presentation will focus on legislative matters of interest to Texas nonprofits, the communities they serve, and key impact areas, such as education, financial stability, and health.

We are pleased to share our 2022 Annual Report, which features memorable milestones from last year that lay a critical foundation for today’s work. These accomplishments were realized through the support and collaboration of our diverse partners throughout the state, and we invite you to join us in reflecting on and celebrating the incredible progress we achieved together.

We are thrilled to announce $33.5 million in federal funding to support AmeriCorps programs in Texas in the coming year! These grants will be distributed to 41 programs across the state to engage more than 3,500 AmeriCorps members in meaningful service to local communities. Visit VolunteerTX to search and apply for AmeriCorps positions in Texas!

We were honored to have leaders from AmeriCorps, the federal agency, visit Texas in May last month to highlight the extraordinary work happening in our communities! In Dallas, local AmeriCorps programs participated in a grant announcement and roundtable discussion, and leaders from AmeriCorps Central Texas had the opportunity to meet with AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith in Austin and share accomplishments and challenges.

In May, our annual staff retreat brought together the whole OneStar team to brainstorm how we can strategically expand our reach and impact to better serve Texas. We debriefed past successes and challenges and created space to cast big, bold dreams for the future. Special thanks to Mission Capital for facilitating a valuable time of reflection and creativity for our staff. Stay tuned as we share more details about our plans for the future in the coming months!

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

Submission deadline Fri, Aug 25
Know of a great environmental project or leader? Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is now accepting applications for the 2024 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. Awarded the by the Governor's Office and the TCEQ, the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards are the highest environmental honor in the state. Visit their website to view award categories and apply!

Presented by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Thu, Sep 21
North Texas
Communities Foundation of Texas’ NTX Giving Day is an annual online giving event designed to empower every person to give back to their community by supporting local nonprofits using one easy platform! NTX Giving Day is the largest community-wide giving event in the nation and mobilizes nonprofits and givers to create lasting impact in their communities.

Presented by Communities Foundation of Texas

Tue, Oct 10 | 8:30 AM - 12 PM CT
Lubbock
The annual Service and Leadership Symposium gathers people from throughout the South Plains who are interested in community engagement. Resources are offered for encouragement and connection including an inspirational keynote, recognition of President's Volunteer Service Awards recipients, an agency fair to help find best volunteer fit, and hands-on service projects.

Presented by Volunteer Center of Lubbock

Fri, Nov 3 | 8 AM - 4 PM CT
La Grange
The South Central Texas Rural Philanthropy Day is a one-of-a-kind event designed to build the capacity of local nonprofits and strengthen their relationships with funders in the rural area.

Presented by Fayette Community Foundation

Wed, Nov 15 - Fri, Nov 17
Dallas-Fort Worth
The Upswell Summit, Independent Sector’s annual conference, is back in person for the first time in four years. This can’t-miss event for all changemakers—from nonprofits, foundations, corporations, community-based organizations, academia, and government—will explore what it will take to build a healthy and racially just nation.

Presented by Independent Sector