OneStar’s Innovative Approach Highlighted in Report
OneStar Foundation: Texas Center for Social Impact takes an innovative approach to addressing the myriad challenges faced by the social sector in Texas. Now, OneStar's inclusive, cross-functional strategies are highlighted in the Mathematica Policy Research Inc.'s national report on Charitable Choice implementation.
Titled "The Role of State Faith Community Liaisons in Charitable Choice Implementation," the report was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It investigates the structures created by State Faith and Community Liaisons (FCLs) to promote states' implementation of Charitable Choice policies and expansion of public partnerships with faith- and community-based organizations (FBCOs). The report also summarizes the different structures of the FCLs across various states, including a feature of the distinctive facets of OneStar's work in Texas.
Focus on Texas
In the report's section on Texas, Mathematica compares OneStar's philosophy of working with FBCOs with the philosophies of other states. The writers observe that-in its role as the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives for the State of Texas-OneStar focuses on the message and means of capacity building as a critical mechanism to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the social sector in Texas. OneStar was noted as a state approach that recognizes the importance of integrating FBCOs into the larger nonprofit sector, and promoting innovative results-oriented strategies for the nonprofit sector, such as capacity building. Of particular note is OneStar's special role as a supporting nonprofit of the Governor that works closely with state agencies, nonprofits and FBCOs. "We are not a state agency but are an agent of the state," said Chris Bugbee, the director of Social Impact at OneStar.
The state of Texas has long been a leader in partnering with a diverse array of entities, including FBCOs, to address social service needs. OneStar's structure builds upon this legacy. By offering organizations access to tools and resources to strengthen their infrastructure while encouraging innovation, inclusion and collaboration among FBCOs and across the larger social sector in Texas, OneStar promotes a social sector that not only effectively responds to individuals and families in need, but ultimately works toward solving the pervasive social problems facing Texas communities.
The Future of FBCI and the Sector
The health of the nonprofit sector impacts all Texans, especially those people seeking assistance when they have nowhere else to turn. Increasing numbers of individuals and families are turning to the safety net of social services, many of which are provided by FBCOs, which are often the only service providers in some rural areas of Texas. However, a strong nonprofit sector means more to Texas than simply a social services safety net-it is a crucial part of our state's economic health and future. The sector employs six times as many Texans as the state's oil and gas extraction industry, twice as many people as the real estate and leasing industry and 20% more people than the entire state government. The sector's health impacts nonprofit employees, who make up 4.1% of the total Texas workforce.
OneStar is committed to be a force that is working to strengthen the nonprofit sector through innovation and action. Through four focus areas, OneStar supports nonprofits in achieving their goals and better assisting their communities. By leading inclusive efforts within the Texas nonprofit sector, OneStar serves as a catalyst for strengthening sector operations, innovation, entrepreneurship and impact. OneStar will continue its efforts to promote and strengthen the capacity of all elements of the social sector in Texas, including the valuable contribution and unmatched compassion of Texas' faith- and community-based organizations as highlighted by Mathematica's "The Role of State Faith Community Liaisons in Charitable Choice Implementation."
The full report can be found here. The report's section on Texas can be found here.
