OneStar: Strategies to Achieve Social Impact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OneStar Foundation?
I registered on the previous OneStar web site. Do I need to register again?
How does OneStar help other nonprofits?
How is OneStar different from other nonprofits?
Has OneStar changed since it started?
Is OneStar a state agency or political organization?
Do you have funds available for nonprofits?
I would like to volunteer somewhere.  Who can I contact?
I would like to mentor or find a mentor.  Who can I contact?
What OneStar trainings are coming to my area?
How is OneStar affiliated with AmeriCorps?
Where can I find information about volunteering with AmeriCorps?
Who can I contact about my AmeriCorps Education Award?
I would like to have AmeriCorps volunteers help our program.  Can I establish an AmeriCorps status?
Can OneStar help me start a nonprofit?
How can I join/How can I get a volunteer from the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program?

 

 

What is OneStar Foundation?

OneStar Foundation: Texas Center for Social Impact is a statewide nonprofit that works to improve the nonprofit industry so it can more effectively serve Texans.  For more information on our mission, focuses and vision, click here.

 

I registered on the previous OneStar Web site.  Do I need to register again?

Yes.  If you were registered on our previous Web site, you will have to re-register. We apologize for the inconvenience. Our registration page can be found here.

 

How does OneStar help other nonprofits?

The success of nonprofits is being targeted through four focus areas at OneStar.

  • Service and Volunteerism manages Texas' national service programs and engages volunteers in creating community-wide approaches to address social issues.
  • Nonprofit Organizational Excellence develops and teaches strategies on improving operations, performance and end results.
  • Studies created and provided by Research, Evaluation and Learning report valuable information about nonprofit sector best practices and policies.
  • Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship will be launched later this year to encourage nonprofits to establish long term strategies and creative approaches to accomplishing their missions.

 

How is OneStar different from other nonprofits?

Whether nonprofits are strengthening education, fighting hunger, promoting health or helping people overcome trauma or tragedy, OneStar Foundation: Texas Center for Social Impact is united behind their mission: improving lives. We champion nonprofits efforts to professionalize and capitalize on their operations and goals.  On every level, we improve the lives of every Texan - every day.

 

Has OneStar changed since it started?

In 2003, The Texas State Legislature abolished the Texas Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, the state agency that managed volunteer efforts and nonprofit outreach.

In 2004, OneStar Foundation was established and was designated by Governor Perry to serve as a conduit for helping volunteer and charitable organizations build effective partnerships with the state-and thus enabling them all to improve the lives of Texans.

In the summer of 2008, our organization transitioned to OneStar: Texas Center for Social Impact.

 

Is OneStar a state agency or political organization?

OneStar is a 501-c3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.  We are not a state agency, nor are we affiliated with any political party or organization.

 

Do you have funds available for nonprofits?

Our current Request For Proposals (RFPs) are available here. Funding for nonprofits is contingent upon many factors, including current availability, legislation affecting funding and parameters of current RFPs.

Funding opportunities that are unaffiliated with OneStar may be listed here.

Stay informed of OneStar's future funding by registering on our Web site.  Information on registration is available here.

 

Do you have funds available for individuals?

OneStar does not offer direct service nor do we offer financial assistance directly to the public. However, our current funding opportunities are posted here.  Any nonprofit that meets the criteria of our RFPs is welcome to apply for funding.

 

I would like to volunteer somewhere.  Who can I contact?

Please consider what type of volunteer work you are looking for: whether it is a continuous program or a one-time opportunity, and where you are looking to serve.

OneStar does not directly offer volunteering opportunities, but the following list includes some volunteering resources that may be helpful:

 

I would like to mentor or find a mentor.  Who can I contact?

The following list includes some mentoring resources that may be helpful:

 

What OneStar trainings are coming to my area?

See our Training Calendar  for information on future OneStar trainings.

 

How is OneStar affiliated with AmeriCorps?

The OneStar Foundation serves as the AmeriCorps state service commission for Texas, and administers the AmeriCorps*Texas program. 

 

Where can I find information about volunteering with AmeriCorps?

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) Web site has detailed information about the AmeriCorps program.

For more information about AmeriCorps*Texas, please click here.

 

Who can I contact about my AmeriCorps Education Award?

Your institution will receive the funds automatically once they are available.  You will not receive a check directly from the National Trust.  The name and contact information for the institution receiving the award money is required on the application.

If you still have questions, please see the CNCS Web site, or call them at (202) 606-5000.

 

I would like to have AmeriCorps volunteers help our program.  Can I establish an AmeriCorps status?

The CNCS Web site has detailed information about the AmeriCorps program.

For more information about AmeriCorps*Texas, please click here.

 

Can OneStar help me start a nonprofit?

OneStar's funding opportunities are listed here. We do not offer financial support beyond these funding opportunities.

The following Web sites may prove helpful if you are interested in starting a nonprofit:

Once your 501-c3 nonprofit is formed, watch for future OneStar funding opportunities here . Also, we encourage you to make connections in your community and explore partnerships and collaborations with other nonprofit organizations.

 

How can I join/How can I get a volunteer from the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program?

Contact the Corporation for National and Community Service at tx@cns.gov or (512) 916-7008.