OneStar's dedication to equipping and training individuals to drive positive change was integrated into every facet of our work in 2023. This past year, our commitment to building knowledge and expertise within the nonprofit community came to life in numerous educational initiatives, from the transformative Texas Nonprofit Summit to the newly launched Nonprofit Career Development Certificate program.

The Texas Nonprofit Summit, held February 27 to March 1 in Austin, served as a potent catalyst for promoting growth and insight within the nonprofit sector. Aligning with the event theme of RE:engage, more than 350 attendees explored strategies for strengthening engagement and delved into vital and relevant topics facing community organizations. To accommodate diverse learning styles, the event presented information in a variety of formats, from intensive half-day master classes to exploratory hour-long workshops. On the final day of the Summit, we convened attendees for Texas Nonprofit Strong Day, a truly immersive experience that offered valuable insights about advocacy and put participants in the middle of the action at the State Capitol.

Our annual AmeriCorps Texas Grantee Meeting in March brought together nearly 50 organizations from across the state for a day of learning, networking, and re-engagement. In a welcome return to in-person connection, grantees shared best practices, received program management updates, and explored how to inspire and support current, future, and past members, service partners, and communities. Yasmeen Shaheen-McConnell, AmeriCorps Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships, and Joey Heavner from the Department of Labor further enriched the event by sharing insights on national initiatives and supporting workforce development within AmeriCorps programs. This collaborative gathering fueled renewed enthusiasm for national service's impact and empowered grantees to take bold action as they move forward together.

We recognize the crucial ways AmeriCorps programs can contribute to building a skilled and dedicated workforce. This past year, we dedicated significant efforts to fostering collaboration and empowering programs to strengthen their workforce development initiatives. The AmeriCorps Texas Workforce Development Collaborative, comprised of 15 of our grantees, served as a hub for knowledge exchange and innovation exploring how to better support the professional development of AmeriCorps members. Through facilitated sessions and peer feedback circles, OneStar fostered a consistent community of practice where programs could share effective strategies, navigate challenges, and solidify service-to-career pipelines for AmeriCorps members. This dynamic network of collaboration ensures AmeriCorps programs are well-equipped to prepare their members for meaningful careers and strengthen the state's workforce for years to come.

In February, we launched the Nonprofit Career Development Certificate, a certification designed exclusively for AmeriCorps members in partnership with Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy at The Bush School at Texas A&M University. The program empowers the next generation of nonprofit leaders by equipping them with critical skills and knowledge. From deconstructing inequities to mastering strategic management and fundraising fundamentals, the program cultivates leaders who are data-driven, adaptable, and equipped to champion social justice within their organizations. This immersive learning experience paves the way for a future where diverse, socially conscious leaders drive meaningful change and build stronger communities across Texas. We are excited to extend and evolve this opportunity in 2024.

We were invited to share our unique perspective and expertise at presentations and panels across the country in 2023. Our team was honored to offer insight, education, and training at the following events in the past year.

OneStar's commitment to fostering connection shines brightly in the diverse array of partnership and networking opportunities that we curated throughout the year. We brought together leaders from across the nonprofit, public, and academic sectors, weaving a vibrant tapestry of collaboration that paves the way for innovative solutions and empowers participants to tackle community challenges with collective wisdom and strength.

In January, our Texas Nonprofit Council convened 30 stakeholders of various backgrounds to embark on a visionary journey together. Guided by Dr. Miha Vindis' scenario planning workshop, participants from the nonprofit, university, and public sectors delved into the challenges and opportunities facing Texas communities, crafting collaborative solutions for potential seismic shifts in the nonprofit landscape. This cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives led to a deeper understanding of shared challenges and fostered a spirit of innovation that will benefit communities across the state. By uniting bright minds from diverse backgrounds we were able to envision a brighter future for the sector.

With the Texas Nonprofit Summit hosted for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic in February, we carefully crafted an event to facilitate meaningful in-person connection. With a theme of RE:connect, the conference extended beyond individual empowerment to fostering a sense of shared purpose within the broader nonprofit community. Attendees were inspired through keynote addresses delving into how to move forward in their relationships this year: by re-thinking your personal ecosystem, changing community power dynamics via re-empowerment, and learning the joy of re-connecting through creative experiences and movement. We wrapped up the event with a reception featuring carnival-style games for attendees to network, have fun, and be in community with their colleagues.

One of OneStar’s core strategies for accelerating impact is convening cross-sector networks to provide more efficient and relevant support for Texas nonprofits. In fall of 2023, we further evolved this approach by hosting joint network meetings that brought together members from the Nonprofit Management Alliance of Texas, Academic Affinity Group, and Texas Association of Volunteer Centers. By consolidating these networks through virtual convenings, we were able to deepen understanding of the role each sector plays in supporting Texas communities, align on needs and priorities, and serendipitously discover areas for collaboration and resource sharing.

OneStar's commitment to a vibrant and impactful nonprofit sector in Texas extends far beyond supporting individual organizations. We believe in the power of collective advocacy and empower nonprofits to raise their voices and champion policies that strengthen the entire ecosystem. This past year, OneStar's advocacy efforts took center stage on multiple fronts, paving the way for a more connected and well-resourced future for nonprofits across the state.

As the climax of last year’s Texas Nonprofit Summit, we hosted the inaugural Texas Nonprofit Strong Day, which engaged over 100 nonprofit leaders taking action at the Texas State Capitol in March. Equipped with knowledge and passion, attendees gained practical experience in advocacy, toured the halls of power, and directly delivered information on the sector's impact to legislative members. This bold demonstration of unity sent a clear message: Texas' nonprofit sector is an influential force that needs to be nurtured and supported.

When potential cuts to the AmeriCorps program loomed amidst tense federal budget negotiations in fall 2023, we sprang into action. We launched an inaugural AmeriCorps Alumni Update e-newsletter, distributed to over 22,000 individuals who have served in Texas, containing information on the dire funding situation and links to advocacy tools at Voices for National Service. In October, we also hosted a webinar for alumni interested in learning more, equipping grassroots advocates with resources to make their voices heard. These calls to action established a foundation for a powerful network of potential advocates and champions of national service.

Knowledge is power, and our new edition of the Built for Texas report, released in October through the Texas Nonprofit Strong initiative, serves as a valuable resource on the road to a stronger nonprofit sector. This in-depth analysis shines a light on both the sector's growth and its resource limitations, urging collaboration and innovation in the face of evolving challenges. By providing accessible data and tools, OneStar empowers nonprofits to advocate for themselves and secure the resources they need to thrive. Alongside the launch of the report, we produced an online toolkit containing resources for turnkey sharing of key messages and hosted a live webinar led by Nicole Collier from the Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at Texas A&M University to dive deeper into the data.

We are dedicated to ensuring our elected officials and decision-makers acknowledge and celebrate the impact of AmeriCorps in Texas communities. During AmeriCorps Week in March, we encouraged statewide efforts to shine a spotlight on the dedication and achievements of AmeriCorps members across the state. In addition to robust online storytelling and media coverage, the week featured resounding affirmations from local government officials: San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg issued a heartfelt proclamation recognizing the valuable contributions of AmeriCorps members to the city's well-being, and more than 55 AmeriCorps members and eight Council Members or staff representatives commemorated the occasion at Houston City Hall to celebrate a proclamation spearheaded by City Council Members Mike Knox and David Robinson. This public recognition serves as a powerful platform for amplifying the impact and solidifying support for AmeriCorps across the state.

Our unwavering dedication to strengthening communities through AmeriCorps programs resonated powerfully on a national level this past year. Texas' innovative approaches and collaborative spirit garnered widespread attention, placing Texas under the national spotlight for its exemplary contributions to the AmeriCorps landscape.

The exceptional work of our grantees at AmeriCorps Central Texas in fostering regional collaboration grabbed the attention of the national leadership. In May, a roundtable discussion with AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith showcased the program's success in bringing together 10 Austin-based nonprofits to tackle crucial issues like recruitment, workforce development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion on the regional level. In October, Service Year Alliance invited leaders from California, Indiana, Kentucky, and Washington to observe AmeriCorps Central Texas in action and explore the model’s successes and challenges. Their innovative approach served as an inspiration for other states, solidifying Texas' position as a leader in collaborative AmeriCorps impact. By participating in knowledge exchange and peer learning, OneStar ensures that best practices from local AmeriCorps programs can pave the way for stronger national service programs nationwide.

The year culminated in a moment of national recognition as OneStar received the Innovation in Grantmaking award from America's Service Commissions in November. Effective distribution of funding can be a key catalyst in sparking innovation and accelerating impact, and we take pride in our unique approach to channeling resources where they can be most accessible and bring meaningful value to Texas communities. Over the past few years, we made strategic changes to our grantmaking practices, growing our portfolio of AmeriCorps programs while also assisting existing programs explore novel programmatic concepts and expand to new regions of the state. This prestigious recognition celebrated our dedication to establishing funding practices that maximize impact.

In May, AmeriCorps shone a spotlight on the investment in North Texas with a check presentation for $16.7 million in federal grants to nonprofits serving the Dallas area. This funding recognized the vital role AmeriCorps plays in leveraging service to address pressing social challenges, promote public health, and build a brighter future for Texas communities. AmeriCorps Director of Public Engagement Tannikka Richardson and Deputy Director of Public Health AmeriCorps Cleo Hirsch from the federal agency also engaged programs in a roundtable discussion to gain local insights and share goals and vision for AmeriCorps from a national perspective.

OneStar's commitment to resilient communities transcends mere response. This past year, we have been working to redefine disaster philanthropy in Texas, evolving our support through insightful learning, collaborative ventures, and innovative program development. These efforts have not only strengthened Texas communities, but also garnered statewide attention for their forward-thinking approach.

We understand that disaster preparedness and response demand cross-sector collaboration. To strengthen these connections, we spearheaded the scaling of the annual Houston Disaster Summit in April into a statewide convening, fostering resilience through shared strategies and expertise. This virtual event, hosted by United Way of Greater Houston, brought together over 200 nonprofit, faith-based, and community leaders from across Texas. It offered a powerful platform for learning, planning, and networking, featuring nationally recognized keynote speakers from Deloitte and the U.S. Small Business Administration. By convening diverse stakeholders on a statewide scale, we empowered communities to build collective resilience and navigate the complexities of disaster response as a united front.

In September, we brought our expertise in disaster philanthropy to the AFP One Day Conference in September. With a presentation titled Responding to Statewide Disasters: Lessons Learned and the Future Ahead, we shared valuable insights gleaned from past Texas disasters. The sessions explored the complexities of disaster fundraising and gave a sneak peek into our groundbreaking disaster philanthropy program, designed to provide responsive and equitable support across the state. This knowledge exchange served as a catalyst for a more community-centered approach to disaster relief statewide.

Last year, we exercised our commitment to continuous improvement by evolving the Rebuild Texas Fund in preparation for future disasters. Leveraging lessons from past incidents, the program structure was re-imagined to proactively support communities in times of crisis. This dynamic approach will pave the way for more effective and equitable disaster philanthropy, ensuring no community is left behind in the face of adversity. Stay tuned for the unveiling and launch the new Rebuild Texas Fund in 2024!

In 2023, we celebrated 30 years since AmeriCorps was established and the impact it has made in Texas. Following in the footsteps of thousands of dedicated individuals, this year’s AmeriCorps members fueled academic progress, tackled food insecurity, bolstered public health, and much more, continuing a vibrant legacy of strengthening local communities. As we recognize and learn from these achievements, we look forward to building upon this foundation and securing a brighter future for the next 30 years of AmeriCorps and beyond.

2023-2024 AmeriCorps Texas Grantees

In 2023, the OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project embraced a year of evolution and transformation. We seized the opportunity to sharpen our focus, building deeper partnerships with local nonprofits and welcoming new partners to the program. This strategic shift emphasized our commitment to expanding the capacity and impact of nonprofits, and we look forward to growing AmeriCorps VISTA's vital role in fighting poverty in Texas communities.

2023 OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Host Sites

Audited 2023 financial statements will be released in summer 2024.

Thank you to these dedicated individuals who contributed to our success in 2023 as part of the OneStar team. For a list of current staff and board members, please visit onestarfoundation.org/board-staff.