Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Communities In Schools of Chicago (CISC)?
2. Why is CISC necessary?
3. What types of services does CISC connect?
4. Is CISC part of the Chicago public school system?
5. How is CISC different from other community school projects?
6. How is CISC funded?
7. Is it safe to make a donation through the CISC website?
8. Does CISC accept donations of school supplies and other goods?
9. Does CISC connect schools with individual volunteers or organize group volunteer opportunities?
10. How can I join CISC’s network of school and service provider partners?

1. What is Communities In Schools of Chicago (CISC)?
CISC is the premier organization in Chicago bridging the gap between students’ non-academic needs and existing community resources. We connect Chicago Public School students with free social, emotional, health and enrichment programs. We do this by building sustainable relationships between schools and community-based
organizations.

Learn more about who we are here.

2. Why is CISC necessary?
CISC connects students with programs and services that reduce barriers to learning. More than 85 percent of Chicago public school students come from low-income homes and many lack access to the social, emotional, health and enrichment supports that are critical to academic success. Parents turn to schools as a community hub where these needs can be met, but schools are often under-resourced and stretched just to address academics. At the same time, service providers throughout Chicago are eager to reach children with their programs but need assistance accessing and navigating schools.

3. What types of services does CISC connect?
CISC connects a broad range of enrichment programs, emotional and mental health programs, health services and education, prevention education programs and parent, community and family services.

4. Is CISC part of the Chicago public school system?
No, CISC is an independent and separate organization. We partner directly with 170 schools in the Chicago public school system and often collaborate with the Chicago Public Schools central office.

5. How is CISC different from other community school projects?
CISC primarily connects programs and services during the school day. We also work directly with schools and service providers to build their capacity to create effective partnerships that will provide significant long-term benefits for students.

6. How is CISC funded?
CISC receives funding from foundation, corporate and individual donors. For every dollar invested in CISC, five dollars worth of programs and services are connected to students. We are also looking to expand our base of support through government funding.

7. Is it safe to make a donation through the CISC website?
Yes. Our online donation vendor has security measures to prevent the loss, misuse and alteration of donor data.

Make a donation to CISC here.

8. Does CISC accept donations of school supplies and other goods?
CISC typically only connects programs and services to our school partners.

9. Does CISC connect schools with individual volunteers or organize group volunteer opportunities?
CISC only connects schools with individuals who have a specific program to deliver, and we do not organize group volunteer opportunities.

10. How can I join CISC’s network of school and service provider partners?
If you are interested in becoming a school partner, click here for information about the application process.

If you are interested in becoming a service provider partner, click here.

CISC is always looking for new service provider partners who can provide free programs and services for Chicago public school students!