Communities In Schools
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersArlington, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
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.
Communities In Schools firmographics
Firmographics- 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
Communities In Schools industry classification
Industry- 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
Where Communities In Schools is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Arlington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Communities In Schools business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- 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).
- Donor Advised Funds: Gifts made through donor advised funds for planned giving purposes
- 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.
- Planned Giving: Bequests, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and beneficiary designations. Partnered with FreeWill for online estate planning tools.
- Corporate and Foundation Grants: Funding from corporations, foundations, and major donors. Ballmer Group invested $165 million through Scaling for Success initiative.
- Securities and Stocks: Marketable securities accepted and sold promptly upon receipt
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Free services to schools and students |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
Communities In Schools product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use Communities In Schools
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Communities In Schools technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Communities In Schools partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.
- Cincinnati BengalscoreNFL 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 SchoolscoreDistrict 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)flagshipLongest-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.
- WhataburgermajorFeeding 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 FoundationmajorCorporate 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.
- FreeWillcoreOnline 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 BlockcoreCryptocurrency donation processing platform enabling Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 100+ cryptocurrency donations with automatic tax receipt generation.
- Gemini Trust ExchangecoreCryptocurrency exchange partner for processing crypto charitable donations.
- Tarleton State UniversitycorePartnership 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 HopecoreHealthcare 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 EnergyminorCorporate partner providing Supply Station at CIS of Greater Tarrant County's Center for Student Support, equipping students with necessary tools to succeed in classroom.
- CareSourcecoreHealthcare 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 ColumbusminorPartner 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.coreMaryland-based licensed partner selected following $1.08 million investment, enabling CIS expansion into 30th state.
- Austin Community College DistrictcorePATHS program partnership providing wrap-around services including housing, food, childcare, transportation, and mental health resources for students beyond K-12 education.
- TikTokminorPartner supporting Ready, Set, Learn Back-to-School Tour to ensure wide-reaching support for students at all grade levels.
- Soles4SoulsminorShoe donation partner providing footwear for students through Ready, Set, Learn Back-to-School Tour.
- H-E-BminorTexas grocery retailer partner supporting Ready, Set, Learn Back-to-School Tour Houston kickoff with local donations.
- Hooked on PhonicsminorCommitted to returning for 2026 Ready, Set, Learn tour expansion to every state with a CIS affiliate.
- Novant HealthminorPartner with CIS of Cape Fear's annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive, collecting supplies for local students.
- City ConnectscoreHosted Congressional Briefing in partnership at U.S. Capitol on integrated student supports transforming education and driving economic success.
- Mary E. Walsh Center for Thriving ChildrencoreResearch partner with CIS sharing data and stories on real-world impact of integrated student supports; included Congressional Briefing presentation.
- Legendary InstituteminorBarber 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 CollegeminorPartner for Mabelvale Middle School Monthly Mabelvale Magic Makeovers free haircut program.
- Parents for Public SchoolscorePartnership bringing research-based Parent Engagement Program curriculum to affiliates across the country.
- United Data Technologies (UDT)minorPartnered 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
Communities In Schools competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
Communities In Schools social profiles
Digital presenceCommunities In Schools financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Communities In Schools leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Communities In Schools subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries8 records
Communities In Schools funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Communities In Schools M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Communities In Schools
What does Communities In Schools do?
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.
Is Communities In Schools a public or private company?
Communities In Schools is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Communities In Schools founded?
Communities In Schools was founded in 1976. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Communities In Schools based?
Communities In Schools is headquartered in Arlington, United States, in the North America region.
How does Communities In Schools make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are donor Advised Funds, cryptocurrency Donations, planned Giving, corporate and Foundation Grants, securities and Stocks and licensing Fees.
Who are Communities In Schools's main competitors?
City Connects is listed as a direct peer. Broad incumbents are Boys & Girls Clubs of America, United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and KIPP Foundation. Emerging players are City Year, Reading Partners and Attendance Works. Others are Nurse-Family Partnership and Jefferson Education Accelerator.
Does Communities In Schools have an API?
No public API is recorded for Communities In Schools.
What industry is Communities In Schools in?
Communities In Schools's product category is K-12 Student Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAKABAK, Family-School Collaboration & Inclusion Planning Support, with a secondary code of EDAJAAAH, Public Special Education Schools & Programs. Its NAICS code is 611 and its SIC code is 8200.