OneStar: Strategies to Achieve Social Impact

Current Opportunities Eligibility

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

OneStar is looking for nonprofit organizations who:

  • Provide social services through permanent operations in Texas,
  • Have an established oversight body (e.g. board of directors, host /parent institute's board of directors, informal group or committee),
  • Demonstrate readiness to engage in capacity building programs,
  • Are willing to partner and/or collaborate with other entities and
  • Meet minimum levels of capacity in existing resources.

Eligibility Qualifications

Nonprofit organizations: A nonprofit organization is defined as a nonprofit corporation having filed a certificate of formation with the Secretary of State in accordance with the Texas Business Organizations Code (BOC). "Nonprofit corporation" means a corporation, no part of the income of which is distributable to members, directors, or officers [BOC, Section 22.001(5)]. Organizations may be asked to submit proof of their nonprofit status. State or local affiliates of nonprofit organizations incorporated outside of Texas are eligible and may be required to submit proof of the parent organization's nonprofit status along with a statement certifying the applicant is a nonprofit affiliate.

OneStar does not require organizations receiving OneStar resources to be officially recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt; however, organizations must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes as set forth in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. An organization may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates. Additional information is available in IRS Publication 557, "Tax-Exempt Status for your Organization," which is available on the IRS Web site at http://www.irs.gov.

Providing social services in Texas: OneStar capacity-building programs are intended to support organizations that improve the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities in Texas. As such, OneStar resources are restricted to strengthening the capacity of organizations whose primary mission is the delivery of social services. Organizations will be asked to certify that they provide social services in Texas. Social services may include, but are not limited to: daycare for children or adults, protective services for children or adults, special services to persons with disabilities, adoption, case management, health-related services, transportation, foster care for children or adults, substance abuse treatment, housing support, home-delivered meals, independent/transitional living or employment services.

Located in or having a permanent presence in Texas: All applicants must certify that their organization currently has a physical presence in Texas and intends to maintain a physical presence in Texas. OneStar resources are intended to support Texas organizations or the parts organizations operating in Texas. Organizations may be asked to submit proof of their physical presence. Physical presence is defined as:

  • Rendering services in Texas and considering Texas citizens a target population for programs and services; and at least one of the following,
  • Maintaining a legal domicile or principal place of business in Texas or
  • Maintaining an office or use of a facility in Texas.

Having an established oversight body: This body may be known as the board of directors or any name appropriate to the customs, usages or tenets of the nonprofit corporation. Applicants must also certify that the governing body is established, has held a meeting and has a number of current directors sufficient to reach a quorum for the transaction of business by the body. Organizations may be required to submit the bylaws and/or minutes from the last board meeting to confirm eligibility. Organizations incorporated outside of Texas with affiliates operating in Texas must meet the requirements for a quorum as defined by the laws of the State in which they are incorporated.

Demonstrating a readiness to engage in capacity building programs: Applicants must certify that the governing body and management are committed to dedicating time and resources to assessing and strengthening the organization's capacity. Applicants must also certify that the organization's leadership desires to engage in capacity-building activities and understands that capacity building requires a willingness to, and readiness for, change.

Demonstrating a willingness to partner and/or collaborate with other entities: Eligibility will be limited to organizations that certify they are willing to partner and/or collaborate with other entities.

Meeting minimum levels of capacity to ensure each organization receives the maximum benefit from OneStar's investment, and to ensure an appropriate level of OneStar resources are used to support the organization:

Supplantation: Applicants must agree not to use OneStar support to supplant existing funds; that is, OneStar support should be used to add value to allow the organization to achieve more in terms of organizational capability and improved infrastructure than they could have without the support. For example, OneStar support should not supplant existing training funds set aside to improve staff performance. Rather, approved OneStar activities should allow the organization to go beyond the level they would achieve using the training funds as planned.

Reimbursement: Applicants must certify they understand OneStar operates on a 45-day reimbursement basis from submission of required forms in entirety for capacity-building activities, and the organization has cash flow available to cover costs while they wait for reimbursement.

Communication: Applicants must certify they have staff or volunteers who will commit respond to telephone and/or email communications within at least two (2) business days.

Technology: Applicants must have regular access to computers with high-speed internet connections and access to the World Wide Web.

Other Certifications:

Prohibition of inherently religious activities: Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for capacity-building services, but organizations must certify that they understand OneStar resources cannot be used to support inherently religious activities, such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization.

A faith-based organization receiving OneStar support retains its independence, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice and expression of its religious beliefs; however, organizations must be able to demonstrate how OneStar capacity-building activities are directly benefiting secular social service programs, operated separately in time and/or location from any inherently religious activities. Also, participation in secular social service programs must be voluntary and eligibility for services cannot be based on an individual's faith.

Evaluation: Applicants must agree to work cooperatively with OneStar evaluators and/or contractors.