What is the future of Texas Nonprofits?

State of Texas takes our nonprofit sector seriously. So much so that they passed the monumental bill for Texas’ social sector, House Bill 492. This bill is designed to strengthen and expand nonprofits, both faith based and community based.

Yesterday, a public hearing was convened in Dallas Texas at the Center for Nonprofit Management to gather input and feedback from the nonprofit community on the obstacles and opportunities for our State government agencies to better partner and support the sector. Hosted by the Texas Health and Human Commission and One Star Foundation, a room of thirty or so nonprofit leaders provided input on things like capacity building, funding, volunteer engagement and how to achieve the most social impact.

This was a fantastic opportunity to hear poignant input as it relates to on-the-ground obstacles as well as visionary remarks from those who live and breath this work.

House Bill 492 inspired this string of public hearings happening around the state. It was designed to strengthen and expand faith based and community based health and human and social service through the renewing our communities account. (ROCA). It sets up three mechanisms to both gather input, coordinate agencies and make recommendations to our legislature.

The Commission is accepting testimonials at public hearings around the State as well as written remarks through April 20,2010. Please take the opportunity to have your voice heard as nonprofit leaders, donors, social venture partners or volunteers. This is our opportunity to strengthen a sector that consistently gives back more than it takes.

Additional information and written comments can be sent to Joanne.Pierce@hhsc.state.tx.us

OneStar Foundation Supports bigBANG!

bigBANG! is thrilled to partner with OneStar Foundation who has been a collaborator and supporter of the June 10 event since we forged the Texas Social Innovation Initiative. Committed to growing social innovation, OneStar seeded North Texas with an infusion of dollars and capacity building through a competitive grant process that identified nonprofit innovators that have a proven track record, a sustainable business model, and vision for growth. Read More!

Save the Date: Good Morning Texas’ Rob McCollum to emcee bigBANG!

Social Innovation is an idea that is spreading globally. It’s a non-political catch-all term for thinking differently about how communities advance conversations and ideas that will address the challenges their communities face. Social Innovation recognizes that our toughest challenges cannot be solved with money or non-profits alone. Please save the date for June 10th, as the bigBANG! convenes a community of investors, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders and others who want to help catalyze positive impact. Host of Good Morning Texas, Rob McCollum will emcee the event. His personal interest in philanthropy and storytelling will permeate the conference as will his wit and charm. Read More!