The OneStar Blog » Social Challenges http://blog.onestarfoundation.org Thu, 13 May 2010 15:08:45 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Nonprofit News: “Nonprofit groups might find 6,300 is a crowd, study says” http://blog.onestarfoundation.org/2009/05/29/nonprofit-news-%e2%80%9cnonprofit-groups-might-find-6300-is-a-crowd-study-says%e2%80%9d/ http://blog.onestarfoundation.org/2009/05/29/nonprofit-news-%e2%80%9cnonprofit-groups-might-find-6300-is-a-crowd-study-says%e2%80%9d/#comments Fri, 29 May 2009 18:39:42 +0000 OneStar Foundation http://blog.onestarfoundation.org/?p=117 Earlier this week, The Austin-American Statesman published an article that raised questions about Austin’s large number of nonprofits. The article stemmed from a study done by Greenlights for Nonprofit Success, which revealed that the greater Austin area—Travis County and the four surrounding counties—has over 6,300 501(c)(3) organizations.

The article is receiving national coverage. On Wednesday, The Chronicle of Philanthropy mentioned it in their “Philanthropy Today” section. In addition, article author Andrea Ball wrote a blog post asking more questions about why so many charities are drawn to Austin. Is it because the city is the state’s capital? Or, as Andrea writes, is it because Austin is “an educated city with a high rate of volunteerism?”

What do you think of this study? Do you think 6,300 nonprofits are too many? Where should the line be drawn—or should it be drawn at all? Let us know in the comments section.

]]> http://blog.onestarfoundation.org/2009/05/29/nonprofit-news-%e2%80%9cnonprofit-groups-might-find-6300-is-a-crowd-study-says%e2%80%9d/feed/ 0 The Importance of Capacity Building http://blog.onestarfoundation.org/2009/03/12/the-importance-of-capacity-building/ http://blog.onestarfoundation.org/2009/03/12/the-importance-of-capacity-building/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:06:16 +0000 OneStar Foundation http://blog.onestarfoundation.org/?p=54 Here at OneStar, we believe that one of the most important things a nonprofit or faith- or community-based organization can do to ensure their long-term sustainability and effectiveness at solving social challenges is to build their capacity.

That said, OneStar recognizes that the definition of “capacity building” is continuously evolving. Different organizations define it in various ways. The following Web sites are just a few of the resources on the Internet that offer material on capacity building and its importance, as well as many other topics related to the nonprofit sector:

However,  we want to hear from you about capacity building. How do you define it? Why do you think it’s important for the sector?  Share your thoughts with us!

]]> http://blog.onestarfoundation.org/2009/03/12/the-importance-of-capacity-building/feed/ 0 OneStar’s Unique Approach http://blog.onestarfoundation.org/2009/03/05/onestar%e2%80%99s-unique-approach/ http://blog.onestarfoundation.org/2009/03/05/onestar%e2%80%99s-unique-approach/#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:34:49 +0000 OneStar Foundation http://blog.onestarfoundation.org/?p=50 Since we opened our doors in 2004, OneStar Foundation has diligently worked within a number of areas in the nonprofit sector.  We operate under the philosophy of strengthening the operations, innovation and impact of the nonprofit sector in Texas.

What exactly does that mean?

Well, some organizations address social challenges from one or two angles.  OneStar, however, takes a cross-functional approach. OneStar engages the nonprofit sector in several strategies and actions to achieve the highest levels of social impact.  We work with the nonprofit sector in a unique way: supporting nonprofits in building their own capacity (we’ll write more about capacity building in future posts) and encouraging socially innovative and effective ideas to solve social challenges. We believe that our approach will positively impact the sector as a whole, will help organizations achieve their respective goals and will ultimately support Texas communities.

The nonprofit sector in Texas is a strong, vibrant community full of diverse stakeholders who come together to improve the lives of all Texans.  OneStar is proud to be a part of this sector, and looks forward to engaging in thought-provoking dialogues as this blog progresses.

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