The OneStar Foundation (OneStar National Service Commission)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $25.3 million (2023)
• AmeriCorps Administration: $20 million+ annually
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: $75,000 - $1,330,000+ (varies by program)
• Geographic Focus: Statewide Texas

Contact Details

Website: https://onestarfoundation.org
AmeriCorps Grants: americorps@onestarfoundation.org
Phone: 512-287-2000
Address: 2200 E Martin Luther King Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78702

Overview

OneStar Foundation, operating through its affiliated OneStar National Service Commission (EIN: 20-0445492), was founded in 1974 as the Texas Center for Volunteer Action. As Texas' Governor-designated state service commission, OneStar administers over $20 million in federal AmeriCorps funding annually to nonprofits, state agencies, and educational institutions across Texas. In 2023, the organization distributed $25,336,741 in grants through 49 awards. Beyond AmeriCorps administration, OneStar established the Rebuild Texas Fund in 2017 following Hurricane Harvey, which has raised over $105.3 million and supported more than 300 organizations in disaster recovery efforts. The organization serves as a statewide convener bringing together nonprofits, business, government, academia, and philanthropy to build resilient Texas communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

AmeriCorps Texas Operating Grants: $260,000 - $1,330,000+ based on number of AmeriCorps members (minimum 10 full-time equivalent members required). Three-year project periods with continuation grants for years 2 and 3. Applications via eGrants system.

AmeriCorps Texas Planning Grants: Up to $100,000 for 11-month planning period to develop future AmeriCorps programs.

AmeriCorps VISTA Placements: $8,700 cost share per full-time VISTA member annually. Rolling application basis, noncompetitive.

Rebuild Texas Fund: Variable amounts for disaster recovery. Currently no open opportunities - check website regularly for updates.

Priority Areas

• Education (helping students succeed)
• Disaster Services (response and recovery)
• Health/Public Health (expanding healthcare access, tackling food insecurity)
• Environmental Stewardship
• Economic Opportunity
• Veterans and Military Families
• Nonprofit Capacity-Building

What They Don't Fund

AmeriCorps programs cannot support partisan political activities, religious instruction/worship, voter registration drives, or abortion services/referrals while charging time to the AmeriCorps program.

Governance and Leadership

OneStar Foundation Board: Robert G. Wright, II (Chair), Michael Parker (Vice Chair), and 7 additional Governor-appointed members

OneStar National Service Commission Board: Ronnie Hagerty (Chair), Annette Gracy Juba (Vice Chair), and 16 additional members

Key Staff:

• Chris Bugbee - President & CEO
• Jaclyn Kolar - Vice President of Service & Volunteerism
• Millicent Boykin - Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
• Taylor Wolter - Director of Rebuild Texas

Quote from Chris Bugbee: "AmeriCorps members bring the heart and determination that Texans are known for, working hand-in-hand with local partners to solve problems and build community resilience."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

AmeriCorps Grants: Submit electronically via eGrants system with additional documents to americorps@onestarfoundation.org

VISTA Placements: Submit concept papers on rolling basis

Rebuild Texas Fund: When open, submit via OneStar's online portal

Decision Timeline

Follows competitive federal review process. OneStar Foundation Board has final approval of all grant awards.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. Process described as "highly competitive" with "rigorous standards."

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful Competitive applicants automatically considered for Formula funding in same cycle. No published restrictions on reapplying in future cycles.

Application Success Factors

OneStar's Stated Priorities:

• Cross-sector collaboration
• Programs serving historically underserved populations
• Services in regions with limited charitable resources
• Clear alignment with AmeriCorps service focus areas

Application Requirements:

• Minimum 10 full-time equivalent AmeriCorps members
• Demonstrate 24% match funding capability (first-time Cost Reimbursement applicants)
• Submit complete applications on time - late or incomplete applications not accepted
• Utilize OneStar's pre-recorded training resources

Funded Organization Examples:

• University of Texas at Austin ($1,330,000)
• AVANCE, Inc. El Paso ($930,960)
• Amarillo ISD ($285,430)
• American YouthWorks ($260,000)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Federal compliance is critical - strict adherence to regulations and deadlines required
• Plan for scale - minimum 10 full-time equivalent members needed
• Match funding required - 24% for first-time Cost Reimbursement applicants
• Leverage training resources - utilize pre-recorded sessions and ask questions early
• Emphasize collaboration - regional partnerships align with OneStar's convening mission
• Target underserved populations - priority for historically underserved communities
• Consider planning grants first - up to $100,000 available for program development

References

1. OneStar Foundation Official Website - https://onestarfoundation.org (Accessed January 1, 2026)
2. OneStar Foundation Board & Staff - https://onestarfoundation.org/board-staff/ (Accessed January 1, 2026)
3. OneStar Foundation AmeriCorps Resources - https://onestarfoundation.org/apply-for-americorps-resources/ (Accessed January 1, 2026)
4. OneStar Foundation Rebuild Texas Fund - https://onestarfoundation.org/rebuild-texas-fund/ (Accessed January 1, 2026)
5. OneStar Foundation 2023 Annual Report - https://onestarimpact.my.canva.site/2023 (Accessed January 1, 2026)
6. Governor Abbott Appointments to OneStar Foundation - https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-six-to-onestar-foundation (Accessed January 1, 2026)
7. GuideStar Profiles - EIN 20-0445492 and 20-0166368 (Accessed January 1, 2026)