Episcopal Community Services

What Episcopal Community Services does

Episcopal Community Services (ECS) of the Diocese of Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1870 that delivers an integrated portfolio of anti-poverty programs to residents of Greater Philadelphia, anchored at the St. Barnabas Community Resource Center (SBCRC) in West Philadelphia. Its four core program lines are MindSet Coaching (a flagship one-on-one economic-mobility program that runs up to seven years per participant and is tied to matched savings, emergency funds, and group workshops across Health & Wellness, Employment, Education, and Financial Management), Housing Programs (Rapid Re-Housing, Homelessness Prevention, and Housing Specialist Services delivered via a 25+ year referral relationship with the Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services), Out of School Time (free K-8 enrichment at five Philadelphia-area sites), and Health & Wellness (Open Choice food pantry, Cook-Off meal program, behavioral health, parenting workshops, and chronic-disease prevention). All services are free to participants.

ECS supplements direct service delivery with an advocacy and convening arm, including the VoterVoice-based ECS Advocacy Action Center, the Just/Now interfaith mobilization program, and a founding membership in the national Beyond the Cliff Coalition (27 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, supported by Kresge Foundation). Its underlying technology is a conventional nonprofit IT stack (Microsoft Office Forms, Cognito Forms, Submittable, VoterVoice, Eventbrite, The Giving Block) overseen by a long-tenured CTO, with no disclosed AI/ML capabilities or proprietary software products.

The business model is a multi-stream nonprofit funding stack: unrestricted Annual Fund giving from individuals (managed via tiered giving societies including Bishops Society $5,000+, Bishop White Circle $10,000+, and Philanthropists' Circle $100,000+ cumulative), Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) pass-throughs via ECS's DCED-approved EIO status, institutional and foundation grants (Brook J. Lenfest Foundation, Kresge Foundation), government contracts (Philadelphia DHCD Neighborhood Advisory Committee program; Office of Homeless Services referrals), United Way Donor Choice contributions (code #00019), corporate giving and workplace matches, alternative-asset donations including cryptocurrency via The Giving Block and appreciated securities, facility rental income from SBCRC's industrial kitchen and dining space, and planned gifts via the City Mission Legacy Society. The 2025-2028 Strategic Plan targets serving 25,000+ residents and includes a 275-block community stabilization initiative.

Name

Episcopal Community Services

Legal name

Episcopal Community Services of the Diocese of Pennsylvania

Website

https://ecsphilly.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1870

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Episcopal Community Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1870 that delivers free housing, MindSet economic-mobility coaching, Out of School Time enrichment, and health programs to residents of Greater Philadelphia, anchored at the St. Barnabas Community Resource Center in West Philadelphia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community and Social Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Community Housing Services (62422), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Educational Services (611)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC), Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL), Wraparound Student Support & Case Management Services (At-Risk K–12) (EDAJAEAJ)

Keywords

• Community social services
• Affordable housing programs
• Economic mobility coaching
• Out-of-school youth programs
• Community wellness services

Headquarters

HQ city

Philadelphia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations and Annual Fund: Unrestricted Annual Fund giving from individual donors managed by Manager of The ECS Fund. Includes one-time gifts, recurring contributions, Recurring Giving Circle, and Sustainers' Circle (15+ consecutive years of giving).
2. Government Grants and City Contracts: Funding and oversight from Philadelphia's Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) via the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) program; funding from city, state, and federal sources for housing, rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, and other programs.
3. Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program: Pennsylvania EITC program — businesses and individuals redirect PA state tax liability to ECS as an approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO). Donors can receive up to 90% PA state tax credit plus 10% federal tax credit. ECS is a DCED-approved EIO.
4. Institutional and Foundation Grants: Grants from private foundations secured by the institutional giving team, including funding from Brook J. Lenfest Foundation (benefits cliff pilot), Kresge Foundation (Beyond the Cliff Coalition support), and other foundations.
5. United Way Donor Choice: United Way Donor Choice Campaign contributions directed to ECS via Donor Choice code #00019 (United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey).
6. Corporate and Workplace Giving: Employer matching gift programs, corporate volunteering (e.g., Aetna volunteers), and corporate partnerships.
7. Crypto and Alternative Asset Donations: Crypto donations processed via The Giving Block partnership. Also accepts gifts of appreciated securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds), retirement assets, life insurance, savings bonds, personal property, donor-advised funds, charitable gift annuities ($10,000+ minimum), charitable remainder trusts, qualified charitable distributions from IRAs, and gifts in wills/beneficiary designations.
8. Major Gifts and Giving Circles: Tiered major-donor recognition societies: Bishops Society ($5,000+), Bishop White Circle ($10,000+), Philanthropists' Circle ($100,000+ cumulative), and City Mission Legacy Society (planned/estate gifts).
9. Facility Rental Income: Low-cost rental of SBCRC industrial kitchen and dining space; mission-aligned partner space rentals for events (subject to insurance and usage requirements).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Episcopal Community Services (ECS) delivers a free, integrated portfolio of community programs that address poverty in Philadelphia through four core service lines: MindSet Coaching (up to seven years of one-on-one economic mobility coaching with matched savings and emergency funds), Housing Programs (Rapid Re-Housing, Housing Specialist Services, and Homelessness Prevention), Out of School Time (free K–8 after-school and summer enrichment at five sites), and Health & Wellness (Open Choice food pantry, behavioral health, chronic-disease prevention, and parenting workshops). Services are anchored at the St. Barnabas Community Resource Center (SBCRC) in West Philadelphia and supported by cross-cutting programs including the ECS Emergency Fund, EITC-funded OST programming, faith-based Diocese & Parish Engagement, and an Advocacy program.

Product overview

Episcopal Community Services (ECS) of the Diocese of Pennsylvania is a single, multi-program community-services organization — not a technology platform — that delivers an integrated portfolio of programs anchored at the St. Barnabas Community Resource Center in West Philadelphia. Its core service lines are MindSet Coaching (the flagship long-term, one-on-one economic-mobility program), Housing Programs (Rapid Re-Housing, Housing Specialist Services, Homelessness Prevention, and the Neighborhood Advisory Committee), Out of School Time (free K–8 enrichment at five sites), and Health & Wellness (food access, behavioral health, parenting, and chronic-disease support). Layered on top are cross-cutting offerings including the ECS Emergency Fund, the EITC-funded OST initiative, Diocese & Parish Engagement led by the ECS chaplain, the Just/Now interfaith advocacy network, and a broader Advocacy program that uses VoterVoice to mobilize constituent action and participates in the national Beyond the Cliff Coalition. ECS positions these as a unified "Bridge to Prosperity" model in which participants can move between crisis relief, coaching, and advocacy as needed.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MindSet Coaching: ECS's flagship economic mobility program offering one-on-one coaching and group workshops for up to seven years, focused on housing, health, finances, education, and employment goals.
• Just/Now
• St. Barnabas Community Resource Center
• Cook-Off
• City Mission Legacy Society

Products and services

• MindSet Coaching Flagship long-term economic-mobility program pairing Greater Philadelphia adults (age 18+, legally able to work, stably housed, English-fluent) with a dedicated one-on-one coach for up to seven years; combines matched savings, emergency funds, cash incentives, and group workshops on Health & Wellness, Employment, Education, and Financial Management. Participants report an average monthly income increase of approximately $1,000–$1,400.
• Housing Programs Integrated housing services suite including Rapid Re-Housing (short-term rental assistance and stabilization coaching for up to 12 months following OHS referral), Housing Specialist Services (one-on-one help applying for rental assistance, resolving landlord issues, and accessing emergency housing programs), and Homelessness Prevention (landlord recruitment, short-term rental/move-in assistance, ongoing stabilization coaching). Nearly all (92%) families in ECS housing programs exit to permanent housing.
• Out of School Time (OST) Free, high-quality after-school and summer enrichment program for children in grades K–8 at five sites (Feltonville Elementary, Feltonville Middle School, Anderson, Finletter, and Darby/Yeadon Community Park). Curriculum emphasizes STEM/STEAM, robotics, project-based learning, arts, music, social-emotional development, and parent nights; supports roughly 650–700 students and their families annually.
• Health & Wellness Free, trauma-informed wellness programming including the Open Choice/Mission Meals & Market food pantry, Feed Your Potential (FYP365) cooking series, The Breakfast Club (SNAP-Ed), Diabetes Prevention Program (Prevent T2), parenting workshops (Parent Connection, BAO BABAS fatherhood program), behavioral-health counseling, Know Your Numbers screenings (blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol), chronic-disease self-management workshops, and Connect-to-Care pop-up clinics through the HEALS Program.
• Advocacy & Just/Now ECS's advocacy arm advancing long-term solutions to systemic barriers that keep people in poverty, with focus areas on Racial Equity, Living Wage, and the Benefits Cliff. Mobilizes participants, parishioners, and partners via the VoterVoice-based Advocacy Action Center, the Just/Now interfaith mobilization program led by a chaplain, direct policy engagement in Harrisburg and Washington D.C., and ECS's role as a founding member of the national Beyond the Cliff Coalition.
• ECS Emergency Fund Targeted financial assistance for qualifying participants enrolled in ECS programs for at least 60 days; covers housing-related costs (home repairs, rental arrears, utilities, security deposits, eviction prevention), dental care, groceries after job loss, clothing, school uniforms, beds for children, and other essentials.
• Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program Pennsylvania DCED-approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO) program enabling individuals and businesses to redirect Pennsylvania state tax liability to support ECS's OST program; donors can receive up to a 90% state tax credit and a 10% federal deduction. Process is facilitated via Friends of Education joinders and ECS staff (Cynthia Carter, Susan Smart, Mawusi Simmons).
• Diocese & Parish Engagement Partnership program with the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania led by Chaplain The Rev. Kyle Evans, offering Sunday-sermon/guest speaking, parish-based community programming and volunteer pipelines, Just/Now legislative advocacy mobilization, and referrals of parishioners needing services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% of families in ECS housing programs exit to permanent housing
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship institutional partnership — founding relationship dating to 1870, strategic donor channel — long-running recurring revenue stream, specialized giving-channel technology partner, flagship national coalition — ecs is a founding member, flagship government partnership — funding and oversight, core referral channel for housing programs, tactical co-convener for community public safety conversations, national faith-policy partner on immigration advocacy, civic engagement resource partner for voter information event, behavioral health service partner at sbcrc, legal services delivery partner at sbcrc, tactical partner for eitc pass-through giving to ecs ost, donation-channel vendor for vehicle donations, cross-organizational leadership pipeline and board representation, coalition convener, board-level affiliation — legal services pro-bono support, board-level affiliation, board-level affiliation — corporate executive on board, faith-community partner on immigration sponsorship and bipartisan congressional engagement on benefits cliff policy.

• Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvaniaflagship institutional partnership — founding relationship dating to 1870Strategic or Co-development PartnerECS was founded in 1870 by the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. The Diocese and ECS work together through a shared covenant, parish outreach, and a dedicated chaplain (Rev. Kyle Evans). The Diocese supports Sunday sermon/guest speaking, parish volunteer programs, Just/Now advocacy mobilization, and the inclusion of ECS in legacy/estate planning through the City Mission Legacy Society. The Board of Trustees is chaired by The Rt. Rev. Daniel G.P. Gutierrez (Chairman) with The Rev. Barbara Ballenger and Rev. Thomas J. Szczerba, Jr. among trustees. The Rev. Peter Vanderveen (Church of the Redeemer, Bryn Mawr) also serves on the board.
• United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ)strategic donor channel — long-running recurring revenue streamChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorECS participates in the UWGPSNJ Donor Choice Campaign under Donor Choice code #00019. United Way donors can direct contributions to ECS through the Donor Choice section of their United Way pledge forms, providing ECS with a steady donor channel. Managed by Coltrane Jamison, Manager of The ECS Fund.
• The Giving Blockspecialized giving-channel technology partnerTechnology or IntegrationECS has partnered with The Giving Block (thegivingblock.com/donate/episcopal-community-services-of-the-diocese-of-pennsylvania/) to accept cryptocurrency donations. The IRS classifies cryptocurrency as property for tax purposes, allowing donors to receive a tax deduction for fair market value and avoid capital gains tax, potentially increasing donation value by 30%+.
• Beyond the Cliff Coalitionflagship national coalition — ecs is a founding memberStrategic or Co-development PartnerECS is a founding member of the Beyond the Cliff Coalition, a national coalition of nonprofits, state and local governments, and stakeholders focused on eliminating the benefits cliff. Convened by Martha O'Bryan Center with support from Kresge Foundation, the coalition has expanded to organizations across 27 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. ECS leadership (Victoria Bennett, Caroline Dunleavy) has presented policy recommendations in Washington, D.C. and met with the offices of Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA 1) and Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA 3).
• City of Philadelphia Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)flagship government partnership — funding and oversightStrategic or Co-development PartnerECS was approved in early 2025 by Philadelphia's DHCD to lead a Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) in Haddington and Carroll Park. DHCD provides funding and oversight for the NAC, which connects residents with city programs in housing, utilities, and home repair, gathers community input for city planning, and expands ECS's capacity to reach 25,000+ residents between 2025-2028. ECS anticipates being fully operational within six months of approval.
• Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services (OHS)core referral channel for housing programsChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorECS's Rapid Re-Housing and Homelessness Prevention programs require participants to first enroll through the Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services. OHS then refers families to ECS, which delivers short-term rental assistance, housing search support, and stabilization coaching (with a temporary subsidy of up to 12 months). ECS has 25+ years of partnership with OHS.
• Lenfest Every Voice, Every Votetactical co-convener for community public safety conversationsGTM or Marketing PartnerECS co-hosted the 'Community Conversations: Public Safety, Public Voice and Accountability in Action' event at SBCRC in February 2026 with Lenfest Every Voice, Every Vote. The event brought together panelists from CeaseFirePA, The Trace, Office of the Victim Advocate (City of Philadelphia), Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting, and Office of Safe Neighborhoods; moderated by The Pew Charitable Trusts.
• Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN)national faith-policy partner on immigration advocacyStrategic or Co-development PartnerECS partnered with the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) for a February 2026 virtual immigration advocacy event. EPPN presenter Troy Collazo contributed policy context and Action Alerts via the EPPN platform; ECS uses its own VoterVoice ECSPhilly Action Center to drive constituent engagement.
• Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM)national faith-policy partner on immigration advocacyStrategic or Co-development PartnerEMM (Episcopal Migration Ministries) representative Sarah Shipman presented alongside ECS at the February 2026 immigration advocacy virtual event, sharing resources including the 'Protest Faithfully' Tool Kit on the EMM website and calling for coordinated action across faith communities.
• Committee of Seventycivic engagement resource partner for voter information eventGTM or Marketing PartnerCommittee of Seventy provided resources and materials at ECS's April 28, 2026 Voter Information Event at SBCRC ahead of the May 19 Pennsylvania Primary Election, including sample ballots and voter education tools.
• Malvern Behavioral Healthbehavioral health service partner at sbcrcImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMalvern Behavioral Health is described as a 'vital partner in mental health care, offering trauma-informed support and pathways to healing.' They are a referenced partner for behavioral health services accessed through the SBCRC hub.
• Episcopal Legal Aidlegal services delivery partner at sbcrcImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEpiscopal Legal Aid provides free legal services for housing, benefits, and family issues; SBCRC is one of its most active hubs. Hub status indicates Episcopal Legal Aid operates on-site at St. Barnabas.
• Friends of Educationtactical partner for eitc pass-through giving to ecs ostImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerECS partners with Friends of Education to facilitate the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. Individuals seeking to make EITC gifts contact Susan Smart at ECS, request a joinder from Friends of Education, designate Episcopal Community Services in the joinder, and remit their donation.
• CARS Program (Careasy)donation-channel vendor for vehicle donationsChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorECS uses the CARS Program (careasy.org/nonprofit/ecsphilly) and 855-500-7433 (RIDE) phone line for processing donated cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and boats, with proceeds supporting ECS's mission.
• Drexel Universitycross-organizational leadership pipeline and board representationStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple Drexel University faculty/administrators serve on ECS's Board of Trustees: Stephanie Ewing (Clinical Psychologist & Drexel University Associate Professor), Stephanie Krauthamer Ewing, PhD, MPH (Associate Professor in the Counseling and Family Therapy Department). Cynthia Carter, ECS Director of Institutional Relations, previously served as Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships at Drexel University.
• Martha O'Bryan Centercoalition convenerStrategic or Co-development PartnerMartha O'Bryan Center convened the Beyond the Cliff Coalition, in which ECS is a founding member. Martha O'Bryan Center provides coalition coordination and infrastructure support.
• Robinson+Coleboard-level affiliation — legal services pro-bono supportOthersEarl M. Forte III, Esq. of Robinson+Cole serves on ECS's Board of Trustees, providing board-level legal and strategic guidance.
• Elliott Greenleafboard-level affiliation — legal services pro-bono supportOthersMary E. Kohart, Esq. of Elliott Greenleaf serves on ECS's Board of Trustees.
• The Diversified Search Groupboard-level affiliationOthersCynthia P. Heckscher of The Diversified Search Group serves on ECS's Board of Trustees.
• GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)board-level affiliation — corporate executive on boardOthersRob MacRae, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Government Affairs and Policy at GSK, serves on ECS's Board of Trustees.
• PPR Capital Managementboard-level affiliationOthersJanette Tarafa, Human Resources Director at PPR Capital Management, serves on ECS's Board of Trustees.
• Modern Group Ltdboard-level affiliationOthersDavid Griffith, Chairman of Modern Group Ltd and Executive Director Emeritus of ECS, serves on ECS's Board of Trustees.
• St. Martin's-in-the-Fields (Philadelphia)faith-community partner on immigration sponsorshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSt. Martin's-in-the-Fields Philadelphia (Jeff Meade) is a faith-community partner that presented alongside ECS at the February 2026 immigration advocacy event and engages in direct sponsorship of immigrant families.
• Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA 1) and Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA 3)bipartisan congressional engagement on benefits cliff policyOthersECS leadership (Victoria Bennett and Caroline Dunleavy) met with the offices of Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA 1) and Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA 3) in Washington, D.C. in 2025 to discuss legislative priorities and advance policy solutions related to the benefits cliff.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia: Large faith-based regional social-services provider with housing, family services, immigration, and community programs across Greater Philadelphia. Comparable to ECS in faith-based nonprofit identity and service breadth, but operates at a much larger scale and across a wider portfolio than ECS's neighborhood-anchored model.
• Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia: Major faith-affiliated social-services provider operating emergency shelter, food, and housing programs across Greater Philadelphia. Comparable to ECS in faith-based identity, free-to-participant model, and Philadelphia service area, though operates at much larger scale and through a national organizational structure.

Regional players

• Martha O'Bryan Center: Nashville-based anti-poverty nonprofit offering coaching, education, and family services; convenes the national Beyond the Cliff Coalition in which ECS is a founding member. Comparable to ECS in economic-mobility coaching model and benefits-cliff policy work, but operates in a different region (Tennessee vs. Pennsylvania).

Emerging players

• Clarifi: Philadelphia-based financial-counseling and economic-mobility nonprofit; ECS Chief Programs Officer Soneyet Muhammad previously worked at Clarifi. Comparable to ECS in financial-coaching focus and Philadelphia footprint, but narrower in scope (financial capability vs. ECS's full housing-plus-coaching-plus-youth model).

Direct peers

• Project HOME: Philadelphia-based nonprofit focused on ending homelessness through housing, education, and workforce development. Directly comparable to ECS in housing-first approach, geographic market (Philadelphia), and integrated housing-plus-coaching service model.
• People's Emergency Center: Philadelphia nonprofit serving women and families experiencing homelessness with housing, economic mobility, and youth programming. Comparable to ECS in participant population (low-income Philadelphia families), housing-plus-coaching integration, and geographic footprint.
• Methodist Services: Philadelphia-based faith-affiliated human-services nonprofit offering housing, child welfare, and community programs across the region. Directly comparable to ECS in mission, geography, and service mix — and notably, ECS CEO Anne Rice-Burgess previously served as Methodist Services' President and CEO, underscoring the direct comparability.
• Horizon House: Philadelphia-area nonprofit serving people with intellectual disabilities, behavioral health needs, and homelessness through housing, employment, and case management. Comparable to ECS in community-based service breadth and Philadelphia footprint, though with a stronger disability-services focus.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ECSPhilly

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Episcopal Community Services