Community Service Society of New York: Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) is a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic opportunity and advocating for an equitable city and state. Established in 1939 through the merger of the New York Association for the Improvement of the Condition of the Poor (founded in 1843) and the Charity Organization Society (founded in 1882), CSS has a longstanding history of serving New Yorkers across various facets of social welfare.

Mission and Vision

CSS's mission is to empower New Yorkers facing economic insecurity by providing direct services, conducting research, and engaging in advocacy. The organization envisions a New York where every resident has equitable access to fundamental rights and opportunities, fostering a stronger and more inclusive community.

Primary Area of Focus

CSS focuses on several key areas:

Access to Health Care: Assisting individuals in obtaining and maintaining health insurance coverage.

Affordable Housing: Advocating for tenant protections and affordable housing initiatives.

Economic Security: Providing support for individuals with conviction histories and offering consumer debt assistance.

Legal Justice: Engaging in legal advocacy to protect the rights of low-income New Yorkers.

Opportunities for Youth: Creating pathways for youth development and engagement.

Industry Significance

As one of the nation's oldest and most impactful charitable organizations, CSS plays a pivotal role in shaping social policies and providing essential services to underserved communities in New York. Its comprehensive approach, combining direct assistance with systemic advocacy, has led to significant policy changes and improved quality of life for many residents.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Advocacy for Systemic Change: Addressing root causes of economic insecurity and racial injustice through policy analysis and legal action.

Direct Services: Offering programs that provide immediate support to individuals in need.

Community Empowerment: Engaging with community members and organizations to drive change from within.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Health Initiatives: Programs like Community Health Advocates (CHA) and Community Health Access for Addiction and Mental Healthcare Project (CHAMP) assist New Yorkers in navigating health insurance and accessing care.

Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP): Provides outreach and education to help borrowers manage student loan debt, resulting in significant savings for consumers.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): Mobilizes volunteers to support community-based organizations, contributing substantial hours of service annually.

Key Technologies Utilized

CSS employs data-driven research methodologies, including surveys and policy analysis tools, to inform its advocacy and service programs. Additionally, the organization utilizes digital platforms for outreach, education, and volunteer coordination.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

CSS primarily serves low-income individuals and communities of color in New York City and surrounding areas, focusing on those facing economic insecurity, housing instability, health care access issues, and legal challenges.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In the fiscal year 2024, CSS reported total revenues of $40,755,270 and total expenses of $41,379,626. The organization received $23,982,420 in government grants, accounting for approximately 70% of its total revenue.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details about recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. However, CSS has received grants from various foundations and government entities to support its initiatives. For instance, in 2025, the New York Health Foundation awarded CSS a grant to assess and respond to the impacts of proposed federal policy changes on New York State’s public health insurance coverage programs.

Notable Investors

CSS's funding sources include government agencies, private foundations, and individual donors. The organization maintains a diverse funding base to support its wide-ranging programs and services.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are allocated across various programs, including health initiatives, housing advocacy, economic security services, legal justice efforts, and youth opportunities. Additionally, resources are directed toward research, policy analysis, and community engagement activities.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

CSS's pipeline includes ongoing and upcoming initiatives in the following areas:

Health Care Access: Expanding CHA and CHAMP programs to reach more individuals in need of health insurance assistance.

Affordable Housing: Advocating for stronger tenant protections and affordable housing policies.

Economic Security: Enhancing EDCAP to provide more comprehensive support for student loan borrowers.

Legal Justice: Implementing the Clean Slate Act, which automatically seals certain criminal convictions after a specified period.

Stages of Development

These initiatives are in various stages, from planning and development to implementation and evaluation.

Target Conditions

The programs aim to address issues such as health care access, housing affordability, economic insecurity, and legal barriers faced by low-income New Yorkers.

Relevant Timelines

Specific timelines for each initiative vary, with some programs operating on annual cycles and others on multi-year plans.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

CSS utilizes proprietary data analysis tools to assess community needs and measure program impact. These tools enable the organization to tailor its services effectively and advocate for data-driven policy changes.

Significant Scientific Methods

The organization employs quantitative and qualitative research methods, including surveys, focus groups, and case studies, to inform its programs and advocacy efforts.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, CSS leverages technology to enhance service delivery, outreach, and volunteer coordination.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

David R. Jones: President and CEO since 1986. Jones has a background in corporate antitrust and contract litigation and has served on various public service boards and commissions.

Mark A. Willis: Chair of the Board of Trustees. Willis has a background in urban policy and housing finance.

Magda Jimenez Train: Vice Chair of the Board. Train has experience in nonprofit management and community development.

Key Contributions

Under Jones's leadership, CSS has expanded its programs and advocacy efforts, achieving significant policy victories and providing essential services to New Yorkers in need.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nonprofit sector in New York City is robust, with numerous organizations addressing similar issues. The demand for services related to health care access, affordable housing, economic security, and legal justice remains high, driven by ongoing economic challenges and social disparities.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services: Offers a wide range of social services, including mental health support and housing assistance.

Rising Ground: Provides services such as child welfare, juvenile justice, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Alliance for Positive Change: Focuses on assisting individuals living with HIV and other chronic illnesses.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

CSS collaborates with various community-based organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups to amplify its impact. Notably, in 2025, CSS received a grant from the New York Health Foundation to assess and respond to federal policy changes affecting public health insurance coverage in New York State.

Operational Insights

CSS differentiates itself through its comprehensive approach, combining direct services with systemic advocacy. Its longstanding presence and established relationships within the community enhance its operational effectiveness.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

CSS aims to expand its programs to reach more individuals in need, enhance its advocacy efforts to influence policy changes, and strengthen partnerships to build a more equitable New York.

Future Business Directions

The organization plans to focus on: