What We Do
Community
At CSS, we work with communities to identify and secure grant funding and deliver project results. Meaningful change happens when people are involved in shaping the solutions that impact their lives. That’s why we lead with public engagement, partnering with local governments, businesses, unions, and nonprofits to identify challenges and co-create strategies that drive actual social and environmental impact. From workforce development programs and job training initiatives to sustainable infrastructure, our work is centered on empowering communities. We focus our work in disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. By fostering collaboration and lifting local voices, we ensure that every project reflects the needs, aspirations, and long-term success of the people it serves.
System
Transformational change requires more than just vision—it requires a deep understanding of how systems work. CSS specializes in building and implementing systematic solutions that help organizations, municipalities, and businesses bridge the gap between vision and execution. We develop tailored strategies that integrate workforce training, economic development, climate resilience, and public infrastructure improvements. Whether it’s helping unions expand opportunities for skilled labor, supporting small businesses in securing funding, or guiding governments through complex policy and project development, we provide the expertise to navigate challenges and maximize impact. Our holistic approach ensures that investments in sustainable infrastructure, energy efficiency, renewable energy, housing, business growth, and workforce development get funded and create lasting, scalable results.
Solutions
At CSS, we secure funding and create solutions that build stronger, more resilient communities. From identifying local issues, designing workforce training programs to implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, we take an active role in developing, managing, and executing initiatives that drive economic and social progress. Our team works alongside stakeholders every step of the way, providing strategic guidance, technical expertise, and hands-on support. By combining funding acquisition with active project development and implementation, we ensure that organizations have the tools, training, and systems needed to sustain long-term success.
The Smart CSS Solution
The SMART CSS Program has been designed to assist Locals with organizing work for community development in their jurisdiction. We identify government-owned buildings, schools, and private buildings with potential projects for SMART Union members. We identify grant funding and finance solutions for those projects. We develop property owner relationships and secure Community Benefits Agreement for every project we work on. We collect all needed project documents. And then we write grant and finance applications to fund the projects. Learn more by watching the video.
CSS Building Inventory Tools
Explore an example of our Building Inventory Mapping Tool in New York City. Click on any building icon to find out all about that building.
Who We Are
The Mission
The Mission
The Mission
Our mission is to improve the overall quality of life for everyone in the community, by securing funding to address infrastructure needs, poverty reduction, equity and inclusion, community health, living wages and youth development.
Community system solutions refer to the various ways in which communities can work together to address commo
Our mission is to improve the overall quality of life for everyone in the community, by securing funding to address infrastructure needs, poverty reduction, equity and inclusion, community health, living wages and youth development.
Community system solutions refer to the various ways in which communities can work together to address common problems.
By writing grant applications, which bring financing to your community efforts, we meet our mission.
The Founder
The Mission
The Mission
CEO Mike Bahr has over 25 years of grant writing experience. He has written more than 100 successful grant applications for a wide variety of projects and programs for governments, nonprofits and businesses. He has been awarded grant dollars from federal, state and local government agencies, foundations, non-profit funders, and private bu
CEO Mike Bahr has over 25 years of grant writing experience. He has written more than 100 successful grant applications for a wide variety of projects and programs for governments, nonprofits and businesses. He has been awarded grant dollars from federal, state and local government agencies, foundations, non-profit funders, and private businesses. Most recently he wrote a U.S. Department of Transportation Port Infrastructure grant for the Crescent City Harbor District, which was awarded $7.3 million.
The Team
The Mission
The Team
We are a group of passionate individuals dedicated to helping organizations secure funding to make a positive impact in the world. We believe in creating positive social and environmental impact and having a public benefit for the projects we work on.
Our goal is to provide solutions to your problems, which enhance your community.