The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is a significant nonprofit organization based in the United States, dedicated to supporting community development. Established in 1979 and headquartered in New York City, LISC champions comprehensive community development by facilitating investments in housing, economic development, health, education, and jobs. Funded by corporations, government agencies, and other nonprofits, LISC has raised significant capital to promote equitable growth through a range of services including loans, grants, and equity investments.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 1979 |
| Headquarters | New York City, New York, USA |
| Founders | Ford Foundation (initial concept supporter) |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Non-profit organization, does not report profits |
| Key Investors | Ford Foundation, Bank of America, HSBC, Wells Fargo |
| Industry | Community Development |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 500 |
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation was conceived in response to an increasing need for a structured approach to address community development challenges in urban and rural settings across the United States. Created with significant initial support and funding from the Ford Foundation, LISC began focusing its efforts on catalyzing economic and social development through partnerships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government entities. In the early stages of its establishment, LISC successfully attracted capital from both private and public sectors and was actively involved in more than twenty cities by the mid-1980s.
LISC's business model is founded on the principle of leveraging both public and private capital to foster sustainable community development. It administers financial resources and expertise across a wide array of initiatives focused on housing, economic development, health, safety, and education.
Presently, LISC is active in 36 states and more than 100 urban and rural communities across the United States. It continues to mobilize corporate, philanthropic, and public capital to provide over $25 billion in financing to neighborhoods in need.
LISC holds a competitive edge as one of the most prominent community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in the nation. It combines ethical community outreach with comprehensive financial and policy initiatives to achieve its mission of creating inclusive and economically vibrant communities.
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) remains a pivotal player in the community development sector in the United States. Its approach of integrating equity investments with robust community engagement initiatives underpins its mission to forge economically vibrant, inclusive communities. As LISC continues to expand its horizons with initiatives such as Project 10X and advancements in housing and health care, it is poised to strengthen its role in addressing the multifaceted challenges of urban and rural community development. With a heritage deeply grounded in social responsibility and a future oriented towards innovation and inclusivity, LISC continues to be a critical asset in the nation’s efforts to bridge economic and social disparities.