First Lady Cecilia Abbott Announces 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Awards Recipients. These awards honor the exemplary service of individuals, groups and organizations that have made a significant and measurable contribution to their communities through service and volunteering. OneStar Foundation administers the awards in conjunction with the Office of the Governor. OneStar thanks our 2017 GVA Sponsors: Phillips 66, Rice & Gardner and AT&T Click here for more information or go to Flicker to view photos from the 2016 awards ceremony. Click here for sponsorship information.

OneStar Foundation is now accepting applications for host sites for its statewide AmeriCorps VISTA Intermediary Project. AmeriCorps VISTA is a highly professional and rigorous volunteer service program, administered nationally by the Corporation for National and Community Service, through which national service members serve with organizations full-time for one year. VISTA projects focus on building permanent organizational capacity and infrastructure to help more effectively bring individuals and communities out of poverty.

Texas Connector is an online, nonprofit mapping tool that helps communities, governments, funders and nonprofits more effectively meet Texas’ growing needs. Texas Connector combines an interactive GIS map, searchable database including: social service providers and nonprofits from Texas 2-1-1 and GuideStar USA, socioeconomic and demographic data and visual layers such as public schools and public transit. Users can print, email, or export results and identify gaps in service, collaborative partners or complementary services. This powerful combination gives users insight to better understand regional issues and resources to more effectively tackle community challenges.

OneStar Foundation, with generous support from The Meadows Foundation, is pleased to announce the debut of the Nonprofit Management Alliance of Texas (NMAT, the Alliance). The purpose of NMAT is to create, strengthen and enhance capacity building work; promote increased access to nonprofit leadership and professional development, management and governance services; and advance the impact of the nonprofit sector. NMAT membership is open to nonprofits (including divisions within academic institutions) whose primary mission or program focus is to strengthen the ability of nonprofits to achieve their mission.

AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that gives people the chance to serve in locations across the country. OneStar Foundation administers the AmeriCorps grant program for the State of Texas, which pairs AmeriCorps members with nonprofits, public agencies and faith-based and community organizations to tackle social challenges. AmeriCorps Texas gives individuals the opportunity to strengthen Texas communities while being part of a national service movement. Both part- and full-time positions are available.

The 2017 Texas Nonprofit Summit Series will help showcase each region’s capacity building efforts, highlight cross-sector partnerships and create lasting collaborative relationships. The dates for the 2017 summits are: (1) Wichita Falls on October 6th (2) Lufkin on November 3rd, and (3) Beaumont on Jan 23rd of 2018. Please click here to access the Texas Nonprofit Summit Series website.

The nation’s mayors and county officials are increasingly turning to national service as a cost-effective strategy to address local challenges. By unleashing the power of citizens, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs have a positive and lasting impact – making our cities and counties better places to live. To spotlight the impact of national service and thank those who serve, mayors and country officials across the country and the State of Texas will participate in the fifth-annual “Day of Recognition for National Service” (previously “Mayor and County Recognition Day”) on April 4, 2017. Ask your local Representatives, Mayors, County Judge/Commissioners, or other officials to sign on today! Click here to view events and find out how to signup.