Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is the nation’s largest private, nonprofit community development intermediary, dedicated to helping locally based nonprofit community development organizations transform distressed neighborhoods and rural areas into healthy and sustainable communities. LISC operates through a national network of 30 local field offices, supported by its headquarters office located in New York City. LISC also works with 71 community development organizations through a national rural community development program in over 1,400 counties across 42 states.
Founded as a freestanding nonprofit in 1979 by the Ford Foundation and a number of leading corporate donors, LISC has provided support to thousands of local nonprofit community‐based organizations as well as financing to mission‐driven for‐profit entities. LISC has invested more than $16 billion in grants, loans and equity, which has leveraged more than $50 billion for local development projects and programs. These investments have supported the creation of (a) 340,000 new affordable homes and apartments, (b) 196 charter and alternative schools serving more than 78,000 youth, and (c) more than 50 million square feet of new or rehabilitated retail,
office, industrial and community space, including childcare facilities, health centers, recreational facilities, and grocery stores and food markets.
LISC’s overall operating budget is approximately $115 million, with a staff of approximately 350 employees. About 55 percent of its support comes from private sources, and approximately 35 percent comes from government resources. Remaining revenues are from earned income and other sources. A significant portion of private fundraising is handled by LISC’s local programs.
The new LISC President and CEO will be only the fourth to hold the position and will inherit a proud tradition of service, effective advocacy, and sensitivity to the needs of local communities and private and public funders willing to invest in their future.