The OneStar Foundation has launched the Texas Connector, an interactive online mapping tool to link community needs and nonprofit services across Texas. The tool displays data from the Texas 2-1-1 database and other sources, overlaying it with demographic and socioeconomic information to help users identify gaps in service. It aims to assist grantmakers, government leaders, researchers, and nonprofits in visualizing Texas' social needs and the scope of available nonprofit resources to better allocate services. The Texas Connector is described as the most comprehensive collection of data on Texas nonprofits.

1. Press Release
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [NAME]
[DATE] [PHONE][EMAIL]
ONESTAR FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY
TO AID THE NONPROFIT SECTOR
The Texas Connector aims to provide a comprehensive look at the social needs and services in Texas
AUSTIN—Today OneStar Foundation announced the rollout of the Texas Connector, a new technology
aimed at linking community needs and nonprofit solutions across the state of Texas. This one-of-a-kind,
online, interactive mapping tool displays information intended to bridge the gap between areas serviced
by nonprofits and the underserved communities of Texas.
“We are excited to be able to offer the Texas Connector to those groups and individuals committed to
serving our state,” said Erin Brackney, Manager of Research, Evaluation and the Texas Connector at
OneStar Foundation. “This technology is the most comprehensive collection of data that exists on the
landscape of Texas nonprofits.”
The Texas Connector is unique in its ability to be utilized by multiple audiences for a wide range of uses
with the common goal of equipping the underserviced areas of Texas. The Texas Connector specifically
hopes to assist grant-makers, government leaders, researchers and the nonprofit community by
providing cohesive means of visualizing the needs of Texas.
“The Texas Connector fills a need that the nonprofit community has recognized as a deterrent to
effectively serving Texas’ communities for years,” said [NAME] with [NONPROFIT NAME]. “In this tool we
have a platform to visualize areas of need in Texas and the true scope of resources available to those
areas, allowing us to more appropriately allocate resources.”
In its initial version, the Texas Connector displays data from the Texas 2-1-1 database—and eventual
other databases—and overlays the information with user-requested demographic and socioeconomic
data. Users of the tool will be able to identify and address gaps in service, search specific geographic
areas and create customized statistical reports.
About OneStar Foundation: OneStar Foundation connects partners and resources to build a stronger
nonprofit sector in Texas. It connects faith-based and community organizations, businesses, government
and foundations to resources and informationabout the nonprofit sector. It promotes the nonprofit
sector, innovative strategies and public-privatepartnerships to drive community solutions. And, OneStar
is the statewide convener of nonprofit networks, developing acoordinated approach to building the
strongest most impactful nonprofit sector.
For news about OneStar Foundation, visit www.onestarfoundation.org/news.
Read OneStar’s blog at blog.onestarfoundation.org.
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