September / October 2025 | News to help you engage, connect & accelerate your impact

Last week, OneStar proudly joined more than 90 leaders from AmeriCorps programs and state service commissions across 31 states for Capitol Hill Day hosted by Voices for National Service, Service Year Alliance, and America's Service Commissions in Washington, D.C. The event collectively yielded over 120 meetings with members of Congress and their staff—nearly one fourth of the entire U.S. Congress—sharing the extraordinary impact AmeriCorps has in communities across the nation.

The best messengers are those closest to the work, which is why we are grateful to our partners from Equal Heart, College Advising Corps, and Breakthrough Central Texas for joining us to share their experiences on the front lines. Hearing directly from AmeriCorps programs helped lawmakers understand how this federal investment translates into real results: strengthening local nonprofits, preparing young people for the workforce, and delivering critical services to communities in need. These stories and insights are especially important in a year when AmeriCorps has faced disruptions and uncertainty. Thanks to bipartisan champions in Congress, we have been able to restore terminated grants and ensure that congressionally appropriated FY25 funds are awarded to AmeriCorps programs.

On Capitol Hill, our OneStar team met with a bipartisan group of Texas legislators, including Rep. Tony Gonzales (R), Rep. Veronica Escobar (D), Rep. Jake Ellzey (R)—co-chair of the For Country Caucus, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D)—member of the National Service Congressional Caucus, Rep. August Pfluger (R), Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R), Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R), and Sen. John Cornyn (R)—a 2025 honoree in the Friends of National Service Awards. Their continued support is vital for sustaining and expanding the impact of AmeriCorps in Texas and nationwide.

For more than three decades, AmeriCorps has proven to be one of the most effective and efficient models of government service, generating a 17-to-1 return on investment while building stronger communities and preparing future leaders. Capitol Hill Day is a reminder that by working together—programs, states, and policymakers—we can continue to advance this powerful legacy of service.

Final call for nominations! The deadline to submit nominations for the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards is fast approaching—Monday, September 29, 2025. These prestigious awards honor the remarkable individuals, families, and organizations whose service is transforming lives and strengthening communities across Texas. Don’t miss the chance to ensure their impact is recognized at the statewide level and celebrated at the Texas Governor’s Mansion in a special ceremony hosted by the First Lady of Texas. Nominate today and help shine a spotlight on the inspiring stories of Texans giving back!

We are proud to announce the selection of 31 organizations across Texas that will receive AmeriCorps grants for the 2024–2025 program year. Together, these organizations will engage nearly 3,000 AmeriCorps members, contributing more than 3.2 million hours of service to meet critical needs in communities across the state.

Through OneStar, Texas is receiving $29.8 million in federal AmeriCorps funding and leveraging an additional $55.5 million in local support—a combined $85.3 million investment dedicated to strengthening Texas communities. Much of this funding has been restored after recent federal cuts, ensuring that programs can continue delivering vital services in areas such as education, disaster response, hunger relief, and more. We are honored to stand alongside these extraordinary organizations and grateful to policymakers for recognizing the power of national service to build a stronger, more resilient Texas.

The catastrophic flooding that struck Central Texas and the Hill Country on July 4^th weekend continues to leave families and communities facing an overwhelming road to recovery. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Central Texas Recovery Fund has raised $4.1 million to date to fuel long-term rebuilding efforts across impacted counties.

Recovery takes more than emergency relief—it requires months and even years of sustained effort. That’s why OneStar is working closely with local nonprofits, governments, and community leaders to invest in community-led recovery teams that know their neighbors, their needs, and the local context. Grants are being awarded to Long-Term Recovery Groups, ensuring that resources are coordinated, inclusive, and focused on rebuilding stronger, more resilient communities.

Next month, Rebuild Texas Fund will debut a new, donor-focused website designed to make giving and engagement easier than ever during times of disaster, thanks to the generous support of Texas Mutual. As Texas’ official disaster fund, Rebuild Texas Fund connects generosity to communities in need and supports long-term, community-driven recovery. The new site will provide a clear, user-friendly path for donors to give with confidence and allow visitors to explore active and past funds and see how contributions align with local priorities. By putting donors and communities at the center, this digital platform will make it simple to act quickly when disasters strike and ensure Texans can rebuild stronger than ever.

Stay tuned for the launch in October and see how your support can make an immediate and lasting difference across Texas!

We’re excited to share that OneStar President & CEO Chris Bugbee has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors for America’s Service Commissions. OneStar is proud to bring our leadership and insight to the national stage in support of strengthening and advancing national service across the country!

East Texas Nonprofit Summit
August 15, Tyler

Texas Rural Funders Member Meeting
Sep 9-11, Rio Grande Valley

America's Service Commissions Innovation & Leadership Awards 
Sep 16, Washington, DC

National Service Capitol Hill Day
Sep 18, Washington, DC

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

A new resource is now available to support nonprofit staff and volunteers who are new to grant writing. Developed by Texas Rural Funders, this practical guide offers step-by-step strategies to navigate the complex landscape of federal, state, and private funding, helping rural leaders better access the resources their communities need. From understanding grant opportunities to preparing strong applications and managing awards, this tool is designed to level the playing field and empower rural nonprofits to make a bigger impact.

Presented by Texas Rural Funders

Fri, Oct 3
Austin
With the theme “Together, We Rise: Collective Impact for a Stronger Sector,” this gathering will unite 200 nonprofit professionals and advocates from across Central Texas for a day of connection, learning, and capacity building. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to strengthen collaboration, navigate change, and meet growing demands with innovation and resilience—because when nonprofits rise together, the entire region grows stronger.

Presented by Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Austin Chapter

Thu, Oct 9-Fri, Oct 10
Richardson
Centered on the theme “Empowering Communities for Volunteer Impact,” this year’s gathering will spotlight innovation in volunteer engagement, offering creative strategies and tools to help organizations recruit, retain, and inspire volunteers for lasting community change. With a hybrid format designed to reach leaders of volunteers from nonprofits and public agencies across Texas and beyond, more than 300 attendees are expected to connect, learn, and strengthen their programs in a rapidly evolving volunteer landscape.

Presented by VolunteerNow

Thu, Oct 16
Austin
This in-person session will help nonprofit organizations explore strategies for sustained collaboration, showing how working together can increase community impact, improve coordination, create operational efficiencies, and enhance services for the people served. Attendees will also hear directly from a grantee about their real-world experience implementing collaborative practices, offering practical insights and lessons learned.

Presented by Austin Together

Tue, Oct 14-Fri, Oct 17
Austin
This year’s gathering will bring professionals from across Texas and beyond together under the theme "Partnering to Protect." Attendees will gain hands-on training, expert resources, and continuing education designed to strengthen their ability to safeguard vulnerable adults—while also learning vital practices for their own self-care. It’s a unique opportunity to connect across sectors such as social services, healthcare, law enforcement, and academia, and to build lasting partnerships that expand impact and innovation.

Presented by Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Thu, Oct 23-Fri, Oct 24
Dallas
Centered on the theme “Hope in Action: Igniting Change, Empowering Communities,” this two-day experience brings together philanthropists, civic leaders, and corporate changemakers to explore how hope can drive transformation. Attendees will engage with powerful speakers and breakout sessions focused on turning shared aspirations into measurable impact, strengthening communities, advancing justice, and creating equitable solutions across Texas.

Presented by SVP Dallas

Thu, Oct 23-Fri, Oct 24
Dallas
A first-of-its-kind gathering hosted by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center will spotlight solutions for rural health. This summit will bring together leaders from across the country to tackle pressing challenges, share data-driven strategies to improve outcomes, and draw lessons from President George W. Bush’s landmark U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative to inform rural health today. RSVP required by Fri, Oct 10. 

Presented by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Mon, Oct 27-Tue, Oct 28
Reston, VA

This two-day educational gathering will bring together nonprofit leaders and industry professionals to explore innovation in risk management. Attendees will have opportunities to participate in sessions, network with peers, and build relationships that strengthen nonprofit operations and advance mission impact.

Presented by Nonprofit Risk Management Center

Mon, Oct 27-Wed, Oct 29
Atlanta, GA
This gathering brings together nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to harness collective power, tackle pressing community challenges, and foster meaningful partnerships. Attendees will engage in expert-led sessions, connect with peers, and experience community-driven solutions firsthand, gaining strategies to strengthen financial sustainability, workforce development, advocacy, and long-term impact.

Presented by Independent Sector

Tue, Nov 4
Beaumont
With the theme “Exceeding the Vision,” this event brings together nonprofit leaders from across the region to learn, collaborate, and network. Attendees will gain insights from influential sector leaders while building connections that strengthen their organizations and the communities they serve.

Presented by Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center

Wed, Nov 19
Houston
This annual conference brings together nonprofit professionals to explore best practices, leadership strategies, and innovative tools across eight development tracks, from fundraising and digital engagement to management and wellbeing. Attendees gain practical knowledge, connect with peers, and strengthen their organizations’ impact while enhancing professional skills and fostering collaboration.

Presented by North Texas Nonprofit Institute