A Community Promise
for Central Texas students
For people who understand that when children thrive, communities do too.
As Communities In Schools grows to reach more students, what comes next will take a stronger, more connected, and growing community of supporters.
Promise Circle brings people together to be part of something bigger than ourselves and expand what’s possible for students across Central Texas.
Join the Promise Circle
Give a Gift
Make a new membership gift today
Make a Pledge
Commit your support today and pay later
Apply a 2026 Gift
Apply existing or other planned 2026 gift
What Members Experience
Connect
Promise Circle Celebration (Backyard BBQ)
Coffee & Conversation with the CEO
Annual leadership dinner with Board
Learn
I SEE YOU student simulation
Virtual policy briefings
Guest speakers and educator conversations
Serve
Career fairs and student celebrations
School supply and clothing drives
Family-friendly volunteer opportunities
How Membership Works
Membership is based on your total annual giving to Communities In Schools of Central Texas. All gifts count.
Event sponsorships, campaign support, and individual contributions are included. Once your giving reaches a Promise Circle level, you can opt in to membership.
Memberships start at an annual giving level of $1,375, the cost for Communities In Schools to serve one student for a year.
You can become a Sustaining Member at any level with a three-year commitment, ensuring consistent support for students over time and unlocking potential matching support.
Member $1,375+
Membership benefits:
- Annual Promise Circle Celebration (Backyard BBQ)
- Group volunteer and service experiences
- Exclusive insider updates and impact communications
Member Plus $2,500+
All previous benefits, plus: Priority access to select experiences, including:
- Partner Appreciation Luncheon
- Mental Health Symposium
- I SEE YOU student simulation experience
Builder $5,000+
All previous benefits, plus:
- Coffee & Conversation with the CEO
Partner $10,000+
All previous benefits, plus:
- VIP receptions with guest speakers
- Virtual policy and research briefings with CIS leadership
Leader $25,000+
All previous benefits, plus:
- Annual Leadership Dinner with CIS Leadership Circle members and civic leaders
The CIS Leadership Circle is an invite-only group of past board chairs and select civic leaders.
The ROI of Supporting Students
Independent research from Harvard University and Cornell University shows that Communities In Schools improves attendance, increases graduation rates, and leads to stronger long-term socio-economic outcomes. When students are supported early and consistently, the impact extends beyond the classroom:
- Stronger schools
- A more prepared workforce
- Lower long-term public costs
Supporting students isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s one of the smartest investments a community can make.
Opportunities to Connect, Learn & Serve
Backyard BBQ
April 15th, 2026
Celebrate 40 years of CIS and the launch of the Promise Circle!
Campus Visit Lunch & Learn
April 20th, 2026
Hear from school leaders, students, and our CEO about CIS’s impact.
Spring Career Days
May 2026
Volunteer to share your experience and inspire the next generation!
Promise Circle Chairs
Laura and Kyndel Bennett
“We are chairing the Promise Circle launch to bring attention and resources to the work that Communities In Schools is doing with the kids in most need of help in the public schools of Central Texas. CIS is setting these kids on a path out of poverty with a high school diploma and a toolbox of skills to navigate the challenges in their lives.”
Promise Circle Launch Committee
Chairs: Laura and Kyndel Bennett
Edna Ramón Butts
Jeff Civins
Asher Flynn
Callie & Jack Kiser
Karyn Scott
Kerry & Serge Ugarte
Harry Zimmerman
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Promise Circle membership work?
Do I need to make a separate gift to join?
No. Promise Circle membership is not a separate fee or required donation. It reflects your overall support of Communities In Schools.
Many donors choose to make their gift directly through Promise Circle, but all eligible giving counts toward membership.
What counts toward my membership?
All contributions to Communities In Schools of Central Texas count, including event sponsorships, campaign support, and individual gifts.
What happens after I join?
Once you join Promise Circle, you’ll be part of a growing community of people showing up for students across Central Texas.
You’ll receive updates on the impact of your support and invitations to connect, learn, and serve—through campus visits, conversations with school leaders, and events that bring our community together.
Can I make a multi-year commitment?
Yes. Members can become Sustaining Members at any level by making a three-year commitment, helping ensure consistent support for students over time and unlocking potential matching opportunities.
Is Promise Circle a campaign?
No. Promise Circle is an ongoing community of supporters, not a one-time campaign. You can join at any time throughout the year.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please contact Leadership Giving Manager Hallie Gully by email hgully@ciscentraltexas.org or by phone at (940) 395-5198
If you have Promise Circle questions please contact Leadership Giving Manager Hallie Gully at
hgully@ciscentraltexas.org or (940) 395-5198.