The Governor's Faith-Based and Community Initiative

The social sector includes organizations that share a public mission with government to address, reduce and eventually eliminate social problems, thereby improving people's quality of life. In Texas, this sector is made up of both faith-based and secular nonprofit organizations that possess unique strengths in serving those in need that government cannot duplicate. In order to meet the growing need for social services, it is critical that individuals, private business, government and particularly faith-based and community organizations are all positioned to work together as committed and effective partners. Texas has long been a leader in reducing the obstacles that faith-based and community groups face when seeking to collaborate with each other and with state and federal government to better serve our communities. Building on this legacy, OneStar leads the Governor's Faith-Based and Community Initiative, which was created by Governor Rick Perry in 2004." The initiative is focused on:

• Encouraging cross-sector collaborations between government, faith-based and community groups and other entities, such as private sector businesses,
  
• Ensuring that faith-based and community groups are ready to succeed in their partnerships by strengthening their organizational capacity and their work together to achieve common goals,
  
• Encouraging research and evaluation to measure the impact of these partnerships in effectively serving Texans in need.

An Aggregate Report of State Agency Faith and Community Based Liaisons (Report includes barrier assessment findings)

OneStar is pleased to announce the posting of an aggregate report developed from submitted state agency reports. This report is a direct result of the passage of House Bill 492, passed during the 81st Texas Legislative Session and details progress made by appointed faith based and community liaisons (FBC-Liaisons) during 2009-2010 and projected future activities during 2011.

Also included in this report is an aggregate of findings from an internal barrier assessment examining internal processes of state agencies related to partnerships with faith and community based organizations. The full report can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

Texas Nonprofit Support Infrastructure Study

OneStar, with support from the Meadows Foundation, partnered with Texas A&M's Bush School of Government, led by Dr. Angela Bies, Ph.D., and in conjunction Texas Health and Human Service Commission's Task Force for Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity, to conduct a statewide survey of nonprofits. The intent was to gather feedback on nonprofit perceptions of support, capacity needs and barriers to partnership with government.

The survey was a huge success with responses from 711 nonprofit organizations across Texas. Results contributed to a report with recommendations submitted by the Task Force to state policy makers for the 82nd Texas Legislative Session. The full report can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

Online Resources

Executive Order 13199 Establishing the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and President Obama's Advisory Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

White House Announces the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the Creation of the President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Administration for Children and Families Compassion Capital Fund

Faith & Service Technical Education Network  

Understanding the Regulations Related to the Faith-Based and Community Initiative

Faith-Based and Community Initiative Archives

The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy - Latest Developments on Faith-Based Social Services 

Archive of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Innovation in Effective Compassion:  Results and Outcomes Associated with the Faith-Based and Community Initiative