For 50 years, the State of Texas has recognized and passionately championed the undeniable power of service and volunteerism. Beginning with the visionary establishment of the Texas Center for Volunteer Action in 1974 and evolving into its dynamic successor, OneStar, in 2004, Texas has invested in fortifying a vibrant nonprofit sector. This long-standing commitment serves as a testament to our unwavering belief in the transformative impact that nonprofits and volunteers have on the fabric of our society.
Today, OneStar carries out its mission by serving as the state Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the State Service Commission, managing a portfolio of federal grant funds for AmeriCorps Texas programs. Through our diverse initiatives, we equip Texans to develop and advance innovative solutions to our state’s most pressing challenges. North Texas plays a particularly critical role in this work as the region is home to the largest concentration of nonprofits in the state—30.3% or nearly one-third—according to the Built for Texas research report. We are recognized nationally as a statewide voice for the nonprofit sector, a neutral social impact convener, and a trusted, respected partner to foundations, state agencies, and the business community.
For more information, check out our 2024 Annual Impact Report, where we count the years of making it count and celebrate a 50-year legacy of strengthening Texas communities through community engagement!
AmeriCorps
We administer AmeriCorps funding throughout Texas and engage approximately 3,000 individuals each year in long-term direct service opportunities to advance national service as an effective solution to our state’s toughest social challenges.
Volunteer Texas
We strengthen the statewide volunteer infrastructure, making it easy and accessible for all Texans to contribute and make a difference in their communities by amplifying the work of our regional volunteer centers and volunteer connector organizations via our statewide hub for volunteerism, VolunteerTX.org.
Rebuild Texas
We equip Texas communities with expertise, resources, and tools to be more resilient during all phases of disasters; we also administer the Rebuild Texas Fund to raise and distribute funding to disaster–impacted areas.
Together Texas
We strengthen and build a strong nonprofit sector through mission-aligned networks, technical training, and education; and ensure that organizations have the knowledge and resources to effectively address priority issues for local communities.
Together, we are One Texas, united in building resilient and thriving communities.
OneStar strengthens Texas communities by creating pathways for individuals and organizations to engage, connect, and accelerate their impact.
In looking at the existing volunteer infrastructure in Texas, a stark divide between services provided for urban areas versus rural areas emerges. North Texas is home to nearly a third of all nonprofits in the state (30.3% according to the Built for Texas research report), yet many of these organizations—particularly those serving rural communities—struggle to access the volunteer management resources they need. Based on our experience supporting rural communities as they respond to numerous disasters over the years, we know that increasing access to these resources would greatly strengthen a community's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Additionally, OneStar has identified rural volunteers as a specific demographic that will have significant, measurable improvements in the number of volunteers generated and retained to support community needs. To accomplish this, support must be provided to nonprofits and agencies to increase their capacity to engage volunteers.
Funding acquired through North Texas Giving Day will go directly to capacity-building services for North Texas nonprofits based in and/or serving rural communities. This includes training and technical assistance to organizations to leverage volunteers, facilitated learning through workshops and conferences, peer support and networking opportunities, leadership development, and technology support.
Organization name
OneStar
Causes
Community Improvement
Operating Budget
$3,000,000 - $9,999,999
Counties Served
Wise, Tarrant, Somervell, Rockwall, Parker, Palo Pinto, Navarro, Montague, Kaufman, Johnson, Hunt, Hood, Grayson, Fannin, Erath, Ellis, Denton, Dallas, Cooke, Collin
BIPOC Serving
Other, Native American, Hispanic or Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black or African American
Address
3000 Pegasus Park Drive Suite 718