Communities In Schools

What Communities In Schools does

Communities In Schools (CIS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1976 (incorporated 1977) and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It is the nation's leading provider of K-12 integrated student supports (ISS), placing trained, full-time site coordinators inside public schools to deliver wraparound services — tutoring, mental health counseling, food and clothing assistance, college and career preparation, and family engagement — across 3,590 schools in 30 states plus Washington D.C., reaching approximately 2 million students annually (2023-24 school year data). The core "technology" is the CIS evidence-based service model itself, organized around Five Basic Principles and a three-tier support framework (school-wide, targeted group, intensive individual case management), validated by Harvard Opportunity Insights research showing a 5.2-percentage-point increase in high school graduation rates and $75,000+ in lifetime earnings per student after 3+ years of exposure.

CIS distributes its services through two go-to-market paths: (1) a network of 113+ independent local nonprofit affiliates that employ site coordinators directly, and (2) a Licensed Partner Program certifying state education agencies, school districts, and community-based organizations (e.g., West Virginia Dept. of Education, Little Rock Public Schools, Volunteers of America North Louisiana) to deliver the CIS model themselves. CIS National, the central office, provides training, certification, technical assistance, and programmatic oversight.

The organization's revenue model is entirely philanthropic. Services to schools and students are free of charge; funding comes from individual donations (including crypto via The Giving Block and planned giving via FreeWill), corporate partnerships (notably Whataburger's $5M+ since 2020), foundation and corporate grants (including a landmark $165M Ballmer Group investment in 2023), securities, and licensing fees from Licensed Partners. Pricing is non-transactional — there is no per-seat SaaS-style revenue, and 100% of program costs are covered by charitable contributions.

Name

Communities In Schools

Legal name

Communities In Schools, Inc.

Website

https://communitiesinschools.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Communities In Schools is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that places trained site coordinators in 3,590 K-12 public schools across 30 states plus DC, providing evidence-based integrated student supports — including tutoring, mental health services, and basic-needs assistance — to approximately 2 million students annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 Student Support Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Family-School Collaboration & Inclusion Planning Support (EDAKABAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Special Education Schools & Programs (EDAJAAAH), Special Education Staffing & Contracted Providers (Paras, Therapists, Specialists) (EDAJAKAL)

Keywords

• Integrated student supports
• K-12 wraparound services
• School-based student support
• Nonprofit education services
• Youth development programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Arlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible charitable donations from individuals supporting student success. Multiple giving options including one-time gifts, recurring donations, and various payment methods (credit card, check, online).
2. Donor Advised Funds: Gifts made through donor advised funds for planned giving purposes
3. Cryptocurrency Donations: Accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 100 additional cryptocurrencies through The Giving Block and Gemini Trust Exchange. Tax-deductible and may help donors reduce capital gains taxes.
4. Planned Giving: Bequests, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and beneficiary designations. Partnered with FreeWill for online estate planning tools.
5. Corporate and Foundation Grants: Funding from corporations, foundations, and major donors. Ballmer Group invested $165 million through Scaling for Success initiative.
6. Securities and Stocks: Marketable securities accepted and sold promptly upon receipt
7. Licensing Fees: Revenue from certified licensed partners who pay for technical assistance and certification to deliver the CIS model across multiple schools or districts

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Communities In Schools (CIS) is a nonprofit organization that places trained, full-time site coordinators inside K-12 public schools to deliver an evidence-based model of integrated student supports (ISS). Site coordinators work alongside teachers, families, and community partners to identify and remove barriers to learning by connecting students to resources such as tutoring, mental health services, basic needs assistance (food, clothing, housing), and college/career preparation. Services are delivered free of charge to schools and students and funded through charitable donations, grants, and licensing fees from certified partners.

Product overview

Communities In Schools (CIS) is a nonprofit organization providing integrated student supports (ISS) through a network of site coordinators embedded in K-12 schools. The organization operates a platform of services including its core ISS model, licensed partnership programs for scaling the model, the Executive Leadership Development Program for staff training, community engagement initiatives like the Community Wisdom Project, and the Ready Set Learn back-to-school tour. CIS also provides digital tools including the My CIS Community portal for network members and an online donation platform supporting multiple giving methods. The organization's offerings are delivered through affiliated organizations across 30 states and DC, serving over 3,500 schools and 2 million students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Integrated Student Supports (ISS) Evidence-based wraparound service model placing trained site coordinators in K-12 public schools to identify and address non-academic barriers to learning (chronic absenteeism, food/housing insecurity, mental health needs) and connect students and families to community resources, tutoring, and college/career preparation. Delivered free of charge to schools and students.
• Licensed Partner Program Certification and technical assistance offering enabling state education agencies, school districts, and community-based organizations to deliver the full CIS model across multiple schools or districts. Licensed partners pay technical assistance and certification fees in exchange for the right to operate the CIS model under license.
• Center for Student Support (Greater Tarrant County) Physical facility offering comprehensive student and family services including a training center, mental health counseling clinic (Purple Counseling & Wellness Clinic), and Good For You Healthy Hub food pantry, developed through the $5.5 million #AllInForKids capital campaign to expand wraparound support capacity in the Fort Worth/Tarrant County region.

Quantifiable outcome

• High school graduation rates increase by 5.2% with three or more years of CIS exposure
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• Cincinnati BengalscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 November 2024NFL team partnership through My Cause My Cleats initiative supporting CIS of Ohio. Running Back Chase Brown wore CIS-designed custom cleats at game, with auction proceeds donated.
• Caddo Parish Public SchoolscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021District covering 50% of partnership funding including 18 site coordinators, two lead site coordinators, and a program director across 14 school campuses since 2021.
• Volunteers of America North Louisiana (VOANLA)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2013Longest-standing licensed partnership since 2013. Partnership began in 2014 in Caddo Parish Public Schools with three schools. In 2018 became first certified licensed partner with CIS. Serves over 1,100 students across 14 school campuses.
• WhataburgermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeeding Student Success initiative since 2020, with $100,000 landmark national contribution in 2023 (largest single contribution to CIS National from Whataburger). Partnership includes Ready, Set, Learn Back-to-School Tour, student engagement events, and $25,000 gift supporting 1,000 students with backpacks and supplies.
• Whataburger Family FoundationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate foundation supporting Feeding Student Success initiative focused on intersection of food insecurity and education through college resource rooms, scholarships, and community philanthropy. Has given more than $5 million since 2020.
• FreeWillcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOnline estate planning tool partnership allowing supporters to create wills and designate beneficiaries for CIS at no cost. Includes bequest language templates and beneficiary designation tools.
• The Giving BlockcoreTechnology or IntegrationCryptocurrency donation processing platform enabling Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 100+ cryptocurrency donations with automatic tax receipt generation.
• Gemini Trust ExchangecoreTechnology or IntegrationCryptocurrency exchange partner for processing crypto charitable donations.
• Tarleton State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with CIS of Greater Tarrant County's new Center for Student Support for Purple Counseling & Wellness Clinic, where master's and doctoral social work students receive training and experience.
• Texas Health Community HopecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner for CIS of Greater Tarrant County's Center for Student Support, operating Good For You Healthy Hub food pantry to serve families experiencing food insecurity.
• Atmos EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner providing Supply Station at CIS of Greater Tarrant County's Center for Student Support, equipping students with necessary tools to succeed in classroom.
• CareSourcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner supporting CIS of Ohio through My Cause My Cleats initiative with Bengals Running Back Chase Brown, resulting in $5,000 NFL donation and cleat auction proceeds.
• Knights of ColumbusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with CIS of South King County for annual Coats for Kids drive, collecting enough coats/jackets and handmade beanies for every kindergarten and first-grade student at Panther Lake Elementary.
• ALL4LOVE, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMaryland-based licensed partner selected following $1.08 million investment, enabling CIS expansion into 30th state.
• Austin Community College DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPATHS program partnership providing wrap-around services including housing, food, childcare, transportation, and mental health resources for students beyond K-12 education.
• TikTokminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner supporting Ready, Set, Learn Back-to-School Tour to ensure wide-reaching support for students at all grade levels.
• Soles4SoulsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShoe donation partner providing footwear for students through Ready, Set, Learn Back-to-School Tour.
• H-E-BminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTexas grocery retailer partner supporting Ready, Set, Learn Back-to-School Tour Houston kickoff with local donations.
• Hooked on PhonicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommitted to returning for 2026 Ready, Set, Learn tour expansion to every state with a CIS affiliate.
• Novant HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with CIS of Cape Fear's annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive, collecting supplies for local students.
• City ConnectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted Congressional Briefing in partnership at U.S. Capitol on integrated student supports transforming education and driving economic success.
• Mary E. Walsh Center for Thriving ChildrencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner with CIS sharing data and stories on real-world impact of integrated student supports; included Congressional Briefing presentation.
• Legendary InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBarber college partner for Mabelvale Middle School Monthly Mabelvale Magic Makeovers, providing free haircuts for students. Also offers summer mentoring and barber training program.
• Washington Barber CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Mabelvale Middle School Monthly Mabelvale Magic Makeovers free haircut program.
• Parents for Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership bringing research-based Parent Engagement Program curriculum to affiliates across the country.
• United Data Technologies (UDT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with CIS of Tennessee to provide 200 new coats, hats, and gloves for winter coat drive across 13 counties.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• City Connects: Boston College-affiliated integrated student supports model that places coordinators in schools to address out-of-school barriers to learning. It is the closest operational peer to CIS and even partners with CIS on Congressional Briefings.

Broad incumbents

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National nonprofit serving at-risk youth with wraparound academic, mentoring, and basic-needs programming. Overlaps with CIS on youth supports but delivers primarily in club settings rather than embedded K-12 sites.
• United Way: Federated nonprofit that funds and coordinates community-based supports — including education and basic needs — overlapping with CIS's wraparound model but at a broader, less school-embedded level.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: National youth mentoring nonprofit focused on at-risk youth outcomes. Comparable target population and outcomes orientation but delivers via volunteer mentors rather than embedded school-based site coordinators.
• KIPP Foundation: National charter network serving low-income K-12 students with extended-day programming. Comparable student population and outcomes mission, but KIPP operates schools rather than embedding supports in district schools.

Emerging players

• City Year: AmeriCorps-funded program placing near-peer mentors in high-need K-12 schools for attendance, behavior, and coursework support. Direct overlap with CIS's Tier 1/Tier 2 supports and chronic-absenteeism focus.
• Reading Partners: Nonprofit delivering volunteer-powered literacy tutoring inside high-need elementary schools. Comparable school-embedded delivery model and low-income student focus, though narrower in scope (literacy only).
• Attendance Works: National nonprofit dedicated to reducing chronic absenteeism — the exact problem CIS targets at scale. While more advocacy/research-oriented, it shapes the policy and funder ecosystem that CIS operates in.

Others

• Nurse-Family Partnership: Evidence-based home-visiting model providing wraparound support to at-risk first-time mothers and their children. Shared evidence-based, outcomes-driven service model and similar funder and policy constituencies.
• Jefferson Education Accelerator: Education innovation accelerator and research organization that evaluates K-12 interventions and partners with school districts. Comparable in operating in the K-12 evidence and scale-up ecosystem that CIS navigates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/communitiesinschools
• Facebookfacebook.com/communitiesinschools
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/communities-in-schools
• Instagraminstagram.com/communitiesinschools
• TikToktiktok.com/@communitiesinschools
• Xx.com/cisnational

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Communities In Schools