The society maintains that its advocacy work remains independent of government influence despite the funding relationship. Its mission statement emphasizes “transformative advocacy” alongside research and support services as core organizational priorities.

The CCS’s positions on the tobacco settlement and nicotine pouches highlight broader questions about the role of publicly funded organizations in advocacy work. As both a funding recipient and a government critic, the CCS sheds light on the intricate relationships between non-profit organizations and the governments they rely on for financial support and aspire to influence.