November / December 2025 | News to help you engage, connect & accelerate your impact

The holiday season is just around the corner—a time to reflect on gratitude, generosity, and the power of giving. From Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, this season persistently reminds us that every act of kindness can create big impact when we work together and care for our communities.

In Texas, communities still face pressing needs, from disaster recovery to supporting local nonprofits, and your time, resources, and voice are more important than ever. OneStar makes it easy to give in meaningful ways:

Every gifts matters, no matter the size. This season, join us in turning gratitude into action and help build stronger, more resilient Texas communities.

Last month, we announced the launch of the new Rebuild Texas Fund website as a more intuitive and accessible platform for supporting communities across Texas recovering from disaster. The site makes it easier for donors to give in times of crisis, offers greater transparency into how funds are used, and highlights the impact of local recovery efforts. As we approach the six-month mark since the Central Texas floods, recovery is still underway—even after the headlines fade, the work continues for months and years. With Giving Tuesday around the corner, we’re still accepting donations to support ongoing flood recovery in affected communities. Give today at RebuildTX.org!

Applications are now open for organizations interested in joining the OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project as a host site—a powerful opportunity to strengthen your mission and expand your impact. By welcoming a dedicated VISTA member, nonprofits and agencies gain vital support to build capacity, develop sustainable systems, and advance transformative projects that help lift individuals and communities out of poverty. From volunteer management and marketing to community outreach, fundraising, and program development, VISTA members bring fresh energy and strategic focus to the areas where it’s needed most. Deadline to apply is Thursday, January 8.

To learn more, register now for our informational webinar on Wednesday, December 10, at 12 PM CT.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Texas AmeriCorps Member Emergency Fund, launched on October 23, provided crucial support to AmeriCorps VISTA members during the recent federal government shutdown. Although the shutdown ended on November 12 and living allowance payments have resumed, the donations we received helped ease the financial strain and stress placed on VISTAs who continued serving Texas communities throughout the uncertainty. In total, this fund raised $4,770 and provided direct assistance to 23 AmeriCorps VISTA members experiencing hardship. Your support ensured that those dedicated to alleviating poverty in our state could stay focused on their service when it mattered most. We are deeply grateful to everyone who stepped up to stand with those who serve!

U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson (TX-32) recently visited Jill Stone Elementary School in Dallas to see AmeriCorps members serving with Reading Partners in action, offering an inspiring look at how national service strengthens student success. Her engagement with members and volunteers underscored the importance of connecting elected leaders directly with the programs they champion, helping ensure continued support for AmeriCorps and the vital services it provides in Texas communities. Experiences like this give policymakers a true understanding of the impact AmeriCorps delivers every day in classrooms and neighborhoods across the state. We extend our sincere thanks to Reading Partners North Texas for their exceptional service and for being compelling ambassadors of AmeriCorps’ impact. Their dedication continues to build brighter futures for students and deeper connections within the community.

This month, our board came together at the vibrant Imagine Art Live+Make campus to provide invaluable leadership and guidance for OneStar’s work strengthening Texas communities through service. Board members had the chance to see AmeriCorps members in action, supporting artists with disabilities and engaging the local community through creativity. During the meeting, they reviewed updates to our strategic plan, helping ensure our goals for the year ahead are meaningful, attainable, and impactful. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, insight, and ongoing commitment to advancing our mission. A special thank you to Imagine Art for hosting us and sharing your inspiring work with our board.

North Texas Nonprofit Summit
Sep 18-19, Hurst

C-Suite Nonprofit Symposium
Sep 25, Dallas

DOVIA Tarrant County, 2025 PDW (Professional Development Workshop)
Sep 30, North Richland Hills

Remarkable Leaders Program
Oct 15-16, Dallas

Table Talk at Water Cooler at Pegasus Park
Oct 16, Dallas

Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver Donation Presentation
Oct 23, Austin

Independent Sector's National Summit
Oct 27-29, Atlanta, GA

Samsung Reimagined: Values for a New Era
Oct 29, Austin

Power Tools for Nonprofits Conference
Nov 19, Houston

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

Tue, Dec 2
Virtual
This interactive workshop empowers nonprofit professionals to center community voice and lived experience in their program development and evaluation efforts. Participants will learn participatory approaches that meaningfully engage stakeholders, especially those most impacted by their work, to inform decisions and strengthen programs. The session provides practical tools for implementing feedback loops, co-creation methods, and inclusive learning practices that promote shared ownership and equity in organizational learning.

Presented by Nonprofit Austin at ACC

Tue, Dec 2
Brownsville
This interactive workshop provides nonprofit fundraising professionals with essential strategies to build or strengthen a planned giving program. Participants will learn how to identify and cultivate prospective donors, structure long-term giving opportunities, and integrate planned giving into broader fundraising efforts. The session addresses common challenges and offers practical guidance to secure donor commitments and enhance long-term financial sustainability. Whether you’re beginning a new initiative or expanding an existing one, this session will help maximize your organization’s philanthropic impact.

Presented by University of Texas at Rio Grande Nonprofit Resource Center

Thu, Dec 11
Virtual
This introductory workshop helps nonprofit professionals apply an impact-focused mindset to program design and evaluation. Participants will learn foundational strategies for aligning programs with measurable outcomes, demonstrating effectiveness, and communicating impact to funders and stakeholders. The session offers practical insights for integrating impact thinking into everyday decision-making to strengthen organizational performance and community results.

Presented by Texas Grants Resource Center

Wed, Dec 17
Virtual
This session explores the vital role nonprofits play in strengthening democracy by fostering civic engagement and building bridges across diverse communities. Through an engaging, solution-focused conversation inspired by the book We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy, attendees will learn practical approaches to creating inclusive spaces, addressing polarization, and cultivating meaningful belonging. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to support a healthier, more connected society, whether they’re new to these ideas or looking to deepen their impact. This interactive learning opportunity is designed to inspire and equip nonprofit leaders to step into their role as builders of a more vibrant democratic future.

Presented by Institute for Nonprofit Practice

Wed, Jan 14
Virtual
This workshop is designed for aspiring changemakers who want to turn their passion into impact by launching a successful nonprofit organization. Participants will learn how to identify and research community needs, navigate the legal and administrative requirements of forming a nonprofit in Texas, and establish a strong foundation for long-term success. The session will also cover key steps for maintaining compliance and sustainability, ensuring new organizations are equipped to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Presented by North Texas Nonprofit Institute

Thu, Jan 22
Austin
This premier institute brings together nationally recognized experts from private foundations, charities, law, finance, and government to address the most pressing tax, legislative, and governance issues impacting the nonprofit sector. Participants will engage in in-depth discussions tailored to their organizations or professional practice, with opportunities to join focused tracks and small-group master classes for deeper learning. Designed for nonprofit leaders and advisors, the program provides essential updates, practical insights, and strategies to navigate today’s complex regulatory environment.

Presented by The University of Texas School of Law Continuing Legal Education